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Softball Adds Two Former Bears as Assistant Coaches
9/14/2023 11:56:00 AM | Softball
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown softball head coach Kate Wheeler has announced the hiring of two former Brown Bears as assistant coaches for the program.
Laura Leonetti '04 will serve as the primary defensive coach, working with the infield and the outfield. Katie Camacho Orona '18 will assist with the pitchers and catchers.
"I am thrilled to welcome back two outstanding alumnae to help guide our softball program," said Wheeler. "Their passion for the game, deep connection to our university, and proven track record of success make them the ideal duo to inspire our student-athletes on and off the field."
Leonetti is making her second stint on the coaching staff at Brown after serving as an assistant from 2004-06. She most recently served as an assistant at Wesleyan softball for the 2023 season. Prior to Wesleyan, Leonetti served as a private instructor in Sugar Land, Texas from 2006-23.
As a player for the Bears, Leonetti was a four-year starter and won the Marjorie Brown Smith Award for the Outstanding Female Athlete at Brown in 2004. She was a three-time First Team All-Ivy selection and was named First Team All-Northeast Region in 2004. Leonetti served as a team captain in 2003 and for the 2004 Ivy League Co-Champion team.
"I am excited and grateful to be back with Brown Softball," said Leonetti. "The university and the softball program have a special place in my heart, and when I met with Coach Wheeler and Coach Correia this summer, it just felt right. We have an impressive group of student-athletes and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. Go Bruno!"
Camacho Orona joins the staff after playing for the Bears from 2015-18. While at Brown, Camacho Orona was named All-Ivy Honorable Mention and was Brown Softball's Rookie of the Year in 2015. She was named an NFCA Academic Scholar Athlete in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
"It is an incredible honor to return to Brown and join the coaching staff," said Camacho Orona. "I am excited and honored to contribute to the development of resilient scholar-athletes whose performance in the classroom and on the field are a reflection of the values of this institution."
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
Laura Leonetti '04 will serve as the primary defensive coach, working with the infield and the outfield. Katie Camacho Orona '18 will assist with the pitchers and catchers.
"I am thrilled to welcome back two outstanding alumnae to help guide our softball program," said Wheeler. "Their passion for the game, deep connection to our university, and proven track record of success make them the ideal duo to inspire our student-athletes on and off the field."
Leonetti is making her second stint on the coaching staff at Brown after serving as an assistant from 2004-06. She most recently served as an assistant at Wesleyan softball for the 2023 season. Prior to Wesleyan, Leonetti served as a private instructor in Sugar Land, Texas from 2006-23.
As a player for the Bears, Leonetti was a four-year starter and won the Marjorie Brown Smith Award for the Outstanding Female Athlete at Brown in 2004. She was a three-time First Team All-Ivy selection and was named First Team All-Northeast Region in 2004. Leonetti served as a team captain in 2003 and for the 2004 Ivy League Co-Champion team.
"I am excited and grateful to be back with Brown Softball," said Leonetti. "The university and the softball program have a special place in my heart, and when I met with Coach Wheeler and Coach Correia this summer, it just felt right. We have an impressive group of student-athletes and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. Go Bruno!"
Camacho Orona joins the staff after playing for the Bears from 2015-18. While at Brown, Camacho Orona was named All-Ivy Honorable Mention and was Brown Softball's Rookie of the Year in 2015. She was named an NFCA Academic Scholar Athlete in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
"It is an incredible honor to return to Brown and join the coaching staff," said Camacho Orona. "I am excited and honored to contribute to the development of resilient scholar-athletes whose performance in the classroom and on the field are a reflection of the values of this institution."
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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