Princeton University Athletics
Novatin Named Assistant Softball Coach
June 18, 2015 | Softball
New Jersey native Christie Novatin, who helped guide Albany to an America East title and an NCAA tournament berth a season ago, will join the Princeton softball program as an assistant coach.
"Christie has a passion for the game and for teaching that is undeniable," head coach Lisa Van Ackeren said. "She's had valuable experience with some quality programs which will be a huge benefit to our student-athletes. I anticipate that Christie will jump in and make a big impact on our program. The staff and team are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to acclimating her to Princeton."
Novatin, who is from Howell, N.J., played four seasons as a utility player for a Hofstra program that advanced to the NCAA tournament in three of her years on Long Island. The Pride won at least one game in each of those three trips to the postseason.
"I am excited to join the Princeton family," Novatin said. "I am looking forward to working with some of the top student-athletes in the country as they strive to uphold the reputation and traditions of this great university. I would like to thank Coach Van Ackeren and the rest of her staff for the opportunity to become a Princeton Tiger."
After Hofstra, Novatin returned to New Jersey for three seasons as an assistant coach, the first two at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, N.J. and the 2013 season at Rider.
Over the past two seasons at Albany, Novatin helped the Great Danes post an overall record of 64-31 and 25-9 in the America East. In 2014, Albany went 4-1 to win the America East tournament, earning a bid to the NCAA regional in Eugene, Oregon and winning a game in that bracket.
Albany had four first-team all-league selections and a Rookie of the Year honoree in Novatin's first season before following that up with four more first-team picks this past season.
Novatin earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science with a physical education minor from Hofstra in 2010, earning Dean's List honors.