Mercer loses one DeFeo, promotes another

Mercer co-head softball head coach Stephanie DeFeo has been named the sole head coach of the Bears’ softball program, athletics director Jim Cole announced Wednesday. DeFeo has spent the past three seasons as the co-head coach.

The announcement came following the resignation of co-head coach James DeFeo in order to pursue a similar position at another NCAA Division I school.

Stephanie has served as co-head coach since arriving on the school’s Macon campus in July of 2013.

“There’s no question James has elevated our softball program and athletic department during his tenure at Mercer,” Cole said. “We wish him only the best moving forward.”

“Our ability to have Stephanie transition seamlessly from the title of co-head coach to head coach is something we’re very excited about. Since arriving at Mercer in 2013, Stephanie has had an immediate impact on the success of our softball program and I’m confident she’ll continue to raise the bar.”

James leaves Macon with his legacy cemented on the Mercer softball program, having led the Bears to unprecedented success since his hiring in September of 2011. In his five seasons at Mercer, James compiled an overall record of 147-134 (.523 winning percentage). He finished six wins short of setting the program’s all-time wins record as well.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for my sister and the Mercer softball program,” James said. “We both built something special at Mercer and I’m confident Stephanie will continue the standard of excellence that this program stands for – Bears softball is in good hands.”

Over three different head coaching stints at East Tennessee State, UNCG and Mercer, Stephanie owns a 206-191 overall record. Since joining the Mercer staff as co-head coach in 2013, the Bears have posted a 99-76 record.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 12:41 AM with the headline "Mercer loses one DeFeo, promotes another."