Gabriel replaces Faye Perkins who has been named the interim dean of the UWRF College of Education and Professional Studies.

“I am happy that Jody has accepted this position as interim head softball coach," said Bowen. "Jody’s experience as our current assistant coach will serve our program very well as we are expected to be very competitive next year."

Gabriel, who completed her fifth season as assistant softball coach at UWRF in 2007, coached at St. Mary's, Minn., University for two years where the Cardinals were co-MIAC champions in 2001 and placed second in 2002. In 2001 the Cardinals placed fourth in the NCAA National Tournament. She worked primarily with infield corners and hitters. She has also coached at the high school and traveling levels in Hudson, Hastings, River Falls and Forest Lake, Minn.

Gabriel competed with the Falcons from 1994-96. The 1994 team won the WIAC title and competed in the NCAA Div. III playoffs. The 1994 team also had the second highest grade point average in the nation. She played high school softball at Forest Lake, Minn., from 1990-92.

She earned her undergraduate degree from UWRF in accounting in 1996 and her M.S.E. degree (social studies) from UWRF in 2000. She is currently teaching social studies at Hudson High School. She is married to Barry Gabriel and they have a daughter, Sydney, who was born in January, 2004 and a son, Caden, who was born Feb. 9, 2007. They reside in Hudson.

The 2007 Falcons set a school win record finishing 32-12 overall. UWRF was 11-5 in WIAC play and placed third in the regular season standings.

Jody Gabriel

Contact Jody Gabriel