Beth Curtiss will be entering her third year as the head softball coach at Allegheny. A native of Pittsburgh, she is a graduate of Gannon University, where she was a four-year starter and two-time all-conference softball performer. She began her head coaching career at Gannon, where her squads went a combined 266-139 and made a pair of NCAA postseason appearances. She came to Allegheny in the summer of 2012, and promptly led the Gators to the 2013 North Coast Athletic Conference championship and a trip to the NCAA regional championship final. Beth and her husband Shaun reside in Meadville, and have two children, Grace (7) and Luke (5).
What was your fondest memory as a student-athlete?
We played in the NCAA Tournament during my senior year at Gannon.
What has been your fondest memory while at Allegheny?
Winning the 2013 conference tournament, and then playing for the NCAA regional championship. It was an awesome run!
What brought you to Allegheny?
I left coaching for a few years and had two children. I really missed softball and coaching, and started looking at job postings. This position became available and I immediately applied. I wanted to work at a school with high academic standards, and coach a program with a tradition of success.
If you could coach another sport for one day, what would it be?
Volleyball has always been my other favorite sport. I played in high school, and continued to play in adult leagues after graduation. I love the sport.
Do you have any personal pre-game routines?
I always say a prayer before I lace up my coaching shoes, asking the big guy above to give me the strength and guidance to be the best coach I can be and lead our team to success.
Favorite road trip movie?
“A League of Their Own.”
Favorite band/music artist?
Blake Shelton.
What would be your pump-up, pre-game song?
“Higher” by Creed.
Favorite television show?
Duck Dynasty
Favorite pro sports team?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite athlete?
Andy Van Slyke, former centerfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Favorite book?
“Leading With the Heart,” Mike Krzyzewski.
Dream vacation?
An all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.
You can choose three dinner guests – who would they be?
My Grandma, Grandfather, and Grammy. They are all in heaven, but I wish I had the chance to introduce them to my kids and share another meal.
You can choose on historical sports event to go back in time and attend- what would it be?
I’d love to have seen Team USA win the softball gold medal at the Olympics.
What’s the top item on your bucket list?
Leading the Gators to the College World Series.
Describe Allegheny in three words or less:
Great supportive community.
Who has been your greatest influence during your coaching career?
My travel ball coach, and longtime friend, Zach Green.
What is the top piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to make a career out of coaching?
You will never make everyone happy, but there is always room for improvement. Continue to educate yourself and get better every day. Have confidence in your abilities and be a positive role model. It’s not always easy, but coaching is very rewarding
What is the top piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman student-athlete?
Get to know your teammates in the fall, and love them like family. Team chemistry can make the difference between an ordinary and outstanding team.
