Niagara University, NY — Niagara University Associate Vice President for Athletics Simon Gray announced Tuesday the hiring of Craig Leone as the next head coach of the Purple Eagles softball program. 

"Craig's success at multiple levels of softball, his energy, and his experience with the region make him an ideal leader for our program," Gray said, "In getting to know his leadership style, we were impressed with his dedication to the development of student-athletes in academics, in service and on the diamond.  We are excited for the next era of Purple Eagles softball." 

Leone served as the head softball coach at SUNY Erie since 2022 when he built the school into a consistent champion of the NJCAA's Region 3. Under Leone's leadership, the SUNY Erie softball team has competed in the Region 3 Championships three consecutive times between 2024 and 2026, including its latest victory that secured its place in the NJCAA Division III National World Series competition. Leone has produced four all-region players since 2024 in addition to numerous all-conference selections. His team was honored for its strong performance in academics in 2025 and 2026.

"I am looking forward to getting started and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping Niagara become a top tier softball program again," Leone said. 

Leone has been an integral part of elite softball for the last ten years serving as the coach and vice president of the New York Inferno Fast Pitch organization from Amherst, N.Y. He has led teams in the open/23U division since 2018, coaching athletes from Division I, II, and III colleges and winning several tournament championships. Previously, he coached New York Inferno's teams to consecutive PONY National Championships in 2017 and 2018 at the showcase level. He has also served as a catching instructor for the Inferno program and the New Era boys baseball program from 2009 to 2023.

Leone is a graduate of D'Youville University, having graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in marketing and management, and played on the men's basketball team. In 2023, Leone was inducted to the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame for his contribution of over 40 years of playing competitive baseball locally, which included 10 seasons of MUNY AAA and participation in three MSBL National Championships. His daughter Cara was also a pitcher for the Purple Eagles from 2022-24.

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