From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the John M. Schael Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama, along with Head Coach Casey Cromwell have announced the hiring of Melissa "Skeeter" Gentile as the WashU softball program's next assistant coach.
 
"Skeeter is not only a decorated softball player and coach, but she is an amazing human being," said Cromwell. "Since being a head coach herself, Skeeter has poured into those around her, staying connected not only with NCAA softball but also to our local softball community. It is her passion for positively impacting lives, both on and off the field, that makes her such an important asset to our program. We know that with her passion and experience, we will continue to build champions.
 
For the past four years, Gentile has worked as the Director of Events for THE Spring Games, LLC. THE Spring Games is the world's largest college softball event, held annually in Florida across Divisions I, III, III, NAIA and junior colleges that features more than 500 teams.
 
During her time in that role, Gentile navigated the company through the COVID pandemic. She also secured the entire Big Ten conference and created a one-of-a-kind 'bubble' event to provide a safe environment for athletes, fans and staff. Gentile's duties expanded to include budgeting, training and hiring of staff, creating leadership training within the organization and leading the reorganization and restructure of the company as a whole.
 
Prior to that, Gentile was the owner and head instructor for Powerline Softball, which was ultimately purchased by THE Spring Games. In this role, she managed a team of seven while creating major college softball events in Florida.
 
Gentile's most recent coaching experience was a five-year stint as the head coach at Eastern Michigan University where she managed the entire EMU program including budget, fundraising, recruiting, camps, clinics, player development and player retention. She also served on the President's Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
 
Gentile spent a season in the head coaching role at Jacksonville University and prior to that, served as an assistant coach for two years at Eastern Michigan. She began her collegiate coaching career at Central Michigan University.
 
Gentile played collegiately at the University of Michigan where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. She went on to play on the USA Women's National team for four years before beginning her coaching career.
 
Additionally, Gentile holds a master's degree in athletic administration from Central Michigan University.
 
Gentile and her wife Courtney have four kids – Hope, Tatum, Bailee and Addison. The O'Fallon native will begin her duties with the Bears on September 1.