ALBANY, N.Y. – It is with a heavy heart that UAlbany Softball announces the loss of longtime pitching coach, Jack Coons. Jack passed away on Saturday, June 6. He was 80.
 
"It is difficult to put into words the impact that Jack has had on our softball program over the last forty plus years," said head coach Chris Cannata. "His kindness, wisdom, and humor will be irreplaceable. He has touched so many people in his time here, and I know that we have all benefited from having him in our lives. Personally, I have learned so much from him over the years and I am confident that I speak for all of the coaches that have been blessed enough to have worked with when I say that we would not be the coaches that we have become without him.
 
"Speaking for all of the UAlbany players that have had the opportunity to learn from him, and all of the coaches who have worked with him, we will miss you more than words can express," continued Cannata. "We love you, Jack, and our hearts are broken."
 
Coons has been an integral part of UAlbany Softball since he arrived in 1982. Over a volunteer coaching career spanning 44 years, he mentored countless pitchers, including seven America East Pitcher of the Year honorees and five UAlbany Athletics Hall of Famers.
 
During his four decades managing the pitching staff, Coons helped guide the Great Danes through successful transitions across three NCAA divisions. In Division III, the 1995 team established national records for the lowest team ERA (0.34) and strikeouts per seven innings (12.41), alongside three NYSWCAA tournament titles. He went on to help the team capture an ECAC Division II championship in 1999 before anchoring the program's powerhouse status in Division I.
 
At the Division I level, Coons helped lead the Great Danes to eight America East Tournament championships and subsequent NCAA Regional appearances (2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2024), highlighted by an appearance in the 2007 NCAA Regional Final. He and the staff also secured seven America East regular-season titles. As part of the Great Danes' coaching unit, Coons shared in national recognition when the group was named the 2011 NFCA Division I Northeast Region Staff of the Year.
 
A veteran and former player, Coons brought a deep knowledge of the game to the Great Danes' bullpen, leaving an undeniable impact on generations of student-athletes and coaches alike.
 
A resident of Schenectady, N.Y., Coons is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Brian and Jennifer; and his grandchildren, Leo and Maya.
 
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