From Case Western Reserve University Athletics
Case Western Reserve University Head Softball Coach Josie Henry has announced the hiring of Julie Pratt as the Assistant Coach of the program.
"I want to thank [Director of Athletics] Amy Backus and Coach Henry for giving me this opportunity," said Pratt. "I am excited to be part of Coach Henry's success on and off the field. I look forward to working with the team this spring and helping in any way I can. Since my short time here I have enjoyed meeting outstanding staff members who have helped me get acclimated to the university and the athletics department. I look forward to being part of the elite CWRU family!"
Prior to coming to CWRU, Pratt spent 13 seasons as the associate head coach at the University of Akron. During that time, she assisted in all aspects of the program and aided in the Zip's recruiting efforts.
Pratt previously spent seven seasons at IUPUI, the last six as head coach. During her tenure in Indianapolis, she amassed a 101-191 (.346) career record and was one of two coaches in school history to accumulate at least 100 wins. In 2005, she coached IUPUI to a 20-25 overall record and 10-10 mark in league play, earning Coach of the Year honors.
She mentored 13 all-conference players and 14 Academic All-Mid-Con student-athletes as head coach. Three players were named Mid-Con Newcomer of the Year and three earned all-region status under her tutelage.
Pratt also served as an assistant coach at Wright State from 1996-98. While there, she helped the Raiders to a then school-record 29 wins in 1997 in addition to heading up the Student-Athlete Resource Center.
A 1996 graduate of Akron with a degree in sociology and corrections, Pratt was a four-year letterwinner for the Zips at catcher and designated player, playing under her maiden name of Julie Bias. A 1994 All-Mid-American Conference selection, she ranks eighth on the career home runs list (22) and eighth on the RBI tally with 104. She still shares the single-season record for doubles with 17, is fourth in single season RBI (46) and 10th in single season home runs (9). In 2013, Pratt was inducted into the Varsity "A" Hall of Fame for her accomplishments during her time as a student-athlete.
"Julie has over two decades of experience that she will be able to share with our program," said Henry. "It will help us build and grow as we continue to strive to be a top finisher in the UAA. We are thrilled to have her join our program and we look forward to an exciting future."
Pratt and her husband Chris have three children, Hunter, Savannah, and Parker.