Shore Conference Softball Coach of the Year: Anthony Iachello, Colts Neck

SSI 2025 Coach of the Year

 

Anthony Iachello, Colts Neck

 

Colts Neck Head Coach Anthony Iachello guided the Cougars to a Shore Conference Tournament championship appearance in a field that included three of the top teams in the state and to a Central Jersey Group 3 final appearance earning him Shore Sports Insider’s Shore Conference Softball Coach of the Year award.

 

“Before the season we all had the same common goal, to make it to the state finals.” pitcher Angela Sasso said. “Iachello pushed us all to fight for the same thing, from the beginning of the year he demanded 100 percent effort from all of us. He said that he had faith that every single one of our girls could help us get to the finals as long as we all showed up every single day to get 1 percent better.”

 

Coach Iachello had to prepare Colts Neck for a gauntlet of a schedule due to the new Shore Conference divisional format. The Cougars were in Class A North which had five teams including Colts Neck ranked in the top 10 all season in the Shore Conference. He also scheduled two non-conference games against Mount St. Dominic and A.L. Johnson who were both ranked in the top 20 in New Jersey. They defeated Mount St. Dominic, who ended up winning the Non-Public A title and finished No. 1 in the state according to NJ Advance Media, in the Public vs Private Challenge. 

One of Colts Neck’s marquee rivalries over the years has come against Middletown North. A large measure of respect has grown between Coach Iachello and Middletown North coach Chris Hoffman over the years. During the regular season the last two seasons the teams split the four games they played. Colts Neck defeated Middletown North this season in the Shore Conference Tournament to gain an edge. 

 

“Coaching softball against my best friend, Anthony Iachello, is more than just a game—it’s a full-circle experience,” Hoffman said. “We’ve known each other since middle school, went to college together, and even taught side by side in the same department at Colts Neck High School. We’ve shared a lifetime of memories, both on and off the field.”

 

Establishing a culture and getting a team to fully invest into a shared vision takes time, trust, and consistent effort. Coaches must balance discipline with encouragement, hold players accountable while nurturing their confidence, and create an environment where athletes grow both on and off the field.

 

“I couldn’t be prouder of Anthony,” Hoffman said.  “He’s one of the most dedicated and passionate coaches I’ve ever known. His commitment to his players goes beyond just teaching softball skills—he genuinely cares about their growth as individuals. This award is so well-deserved because he works tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, to build a strong, supportive team culture. Watching him lead with integrity and enthusiasm is inspiring. This honor reflects not only his coaching ability but the positive impact he has on everyone around him.”

 

Coach Iachello has done a magnificent job getting the players to buy into his philosophy, and Colts Neck has seen the results over the years. His team started the season ranked number 7 in the Shore Sports Insider Top 10 rankings before finishing number 4 as the highest ranked public school to end the season along with two trips to championship games this season. 

 

“Playing for Iachello is a lot of fun, he brings energy into the game and I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with him going on 4 years,” Sasso said.  “He treats all of the girls like his own and takes time away from his life and family to cater to the team whether it be an extra practice or pasta party. We have a great coaching staff, with Coach Scinto being new this year it also brought a calming energy into the dugout that the girls needed. Our coaches work great together in order to motivate us during the games.”

 

With only four seniors on the roster, Colts Neck will be one of the favorites to make a deep run in the Shore Conference Tournament in 2026 and Central Jersey Group 3. The Cougars will need to replace their center fielder Ava Burns, second baseman Daniela Baio, first baseman Ellie Mager and back-up pitcher Samantha Sponder. 

Returning to lead the team besides Sasso, is Gabriella Bryce who was Shore Sports Insider’s Most Improved Player. Outfielder Jillian Heyser, who was named to the All-Freshmen team this season, will also be a key returner.

“With most of our team returning he left us with one message,” Sasso said. “Last year we didn’t get past the second round, this year we lost in the finals, next year we are winning the finals. It is apparent that since my freshman year, the team has done nothing but grow, Iachello instilled in us that we are going to complete the run next year.”

 

Finalist:

Tony Flego, Red Bank Catholic:

Flego led RBC to their first Shore Conference Tournament Championship since 2010. The Casey finished with a 19-5 record and defeated St. John Vianney twice this season, including a 1-0 victory in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinal round.

 

Debbie Schwartz, Donovan Catholic:

Schwartz coached Donovan Catholic to a 26-2 record and ended the season as the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference. Donovan also won their first South Jersey Non-Public A title since 2022, defeating St. John Vianney 8-4.

 

Kelly Fleck, Pinelands:

The first year coach led Pinelands to an 18 win season and a trip to the Ocean County Tournament finals. Fleck helped the team improve from their 12 wins the year before.

 

Haydee Donza, Jackson Memorial:

In Jackson Memorial’s final season as a high school before the school closes and the students move to Jackson Liberty’s building, Coach Donza brought home one last championship. The Jaguars won their second Ocean County Tournament title in the last three seasons.