Franklin & Marshall College named Dr. Michael J. Cooperstein, D.M.D., of Broomall, Pa., its head softball coach in August of 2007.

"Michael is a natural fit for Franklin & Marshall," said Director of Athletics, Patricia S.W. Epps. "His obvious passion for the game and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals will cast the perfect die for the future of the softball program."

Cooperstein brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to Lancaster. On the collegiate level, Cooperstein spent five seasons (2001-2006) as an assistant at Saint Joseph's University. Two of those seasons were spent as the bench coach and hitting instructor, while the other three were spent overseeing the squad's pitchers and infielders.

With his help, the Hawks battled their way into the Atlantic 10 Conference playoffs four times. The 2004 squad finished second in the Atlantic 10, snapping the University of Massachusetts' 73-game, home-winning streak in the process. That team was the first Saint Joseph's squad to play for an A10 championship. Three of Cooperstein's players earned Academic All-America honors.

In 2007, Cooperstein left the world of college softball to take an assistant coach position at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, Pa. Franklin & Marshall will be his first collegiate head coaching position.

"I was attracted to the Division III philosophy that F&M represents so well," said Cooperstein, whose oldest daughter, Jamie, played Division III softball at the College of New Jersey. "Players play for the love of the game, and that's what it should be about."

In addition to coaching in academic settings, Cooperstein has extensive experience coaching on the club circuit. From 1988 through 1996, he was the head coach of the Newtown Square Rebels (ASA Girls Fastpitch), and served on the Board of Directors. He is a member of the Newtown Square Softball Hall of Fame.

From 1996 until signing on at Saint Joseph's, he served as both head and assistant coach for the Pegasus ASA Girls Fastpitch squad, taking the team to three National Championship Tournaments and a pair of Colorado Fireworks Tournaments. In that capacity, he assisted his players in being recruited by colleges and universities. All of his players went on to play in the collegiate ranks.

Cooperstein is a dentist by trade, operating in a group practice for the past 26 years.

"My staff are my greatest allies in coaching," said Cooperstein. "They make sure my patients are cared for during the season so I can focus on softball."

Rhoades brings nearly two decades of experience to the Diplomats' dugout. He has worked extensively with head coach, Mike Cooperstein, including their time on the staff at St. Joseph's University. With Rhoades and Coop on the staff, the Hawks made three appearances in the Atlantic 10 tournament. Rhoades played an integral role in the Hawks' success, coaching the pitchers and infield. He was also the head of recruiting and served as a clinician. From 1996 through 2001, Rhoades was an assistant with the 18U Haze travel team, which won eight tournaments during his tenure. Away from the diamond, Rhoades is an Insurance Executive.

In 2007-2008, Ashlee Courter will enter her third season as the head women's basketball coach at Franklin & Marshall.

In just her second year at the helm, Courter led her young squad to a 19-7 overall record and a 14-4 Centennial Conference (CC) mark to be named the CC regular-season champions. The Diplomats earned the top seed for the CC tournament, making their first playoff appearance since 2004 and also posting a perfect 9-0 record at home in CC play. In addition to the team's success, Courter mentored junior guard Sarah Meisenberg to CC Player of the Year honors and two All-American nods.

Courter, the seventh basketball coach in Franklin & Marshall College History, joined the Diplomat staff in August 2006 following two seasons (2004-2006) as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College. During that time, the Bullets accumulated a 28-25 record and made it as far as the conference playoffs both seasons. Courter's responsibilities included recruiting, game and practice preparation, scouting, scheduling, and conditioning.

A graduate of Marymount University (VA) in 2004 with a degree in Psychology and Elementary Education, Courter was a four-year, varsity starter for the Saints. Finishing with a career record of 96-27, Courter helped her team make four NCAA appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2001, the Final Four in 2002, the Sweet 16 again in 2003, and the Elite 8 in 2004. She captained two of those teams and is currently ranked 10th in career points (1282), 6th in career assists (395), 9th in career rebounds (689), and 1st in career 3-pointers made at MU. She earned 1st team All Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) honors in 2003, and in 2002, she received 2nd team All CAC honors and received the Conference's Unsung Heroine award.

Taking the helm for the 2006-2007 season, Courter inherited a young Franklin & Marshall team, which posted a 6-19 mark in her inaugural season.

In addition to basketball, Courter also serves as assistant softball coach.

In May 2006, Courter received her Master's Degree in Special Education from McDaniel College. She is a native of Towson, MD and currently resides in Lancaster.