SAN FRANCISCO -- Academy of Art University director of athletics Brad Jones has announced Nikki Gentile as the new head coach of the Urban Knights softball program. After creating a strong all-around softball program at Solano Community College, Gentile brings more than seven years of coaching experience into her role at ART U.

"We are pleased to announce Nikki Gentile as our new head softball coach at Academy of Art University," said Jones. "Nikki has built a very successful program as the head coach at Solano College. She exhibits a genuine passion to be successful and she will be a great fit within our athletic department and leader of our softball team."

Leading the Falcons' most recent 2020 campaign while simultaneously working as the SCC Athletics Academic Mentor Program coordinator, Gentile had Solano ranked among the top 25 in the California Community College Athletic Association in batting average, run scored, doubles, home runs, and stolen bases. Prior to the cancellation of the remainder of the regular season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had just begun conference play, winning what would be the final two games by a combined 29-run margin.

In just her second year at the program's helm, the Falcons were bestowed the department's 2018-19 Athletic Director's Award after winning the Bay Valley Conference Championship with an undefeated 14-0 conference record, achieving a 3.0 team GPA, successfully transferring seven student-athletes to four-year institutions, and volunteering extensively in the community. The team also collected five All-BVC First Team honors along with the BVC Pitcher of the Year Adriana Montuya.

After Solano went 11-0 in conference in her first season, Gentile was named BVC Coach of the Year in recognition of guiding the team to its first of what would be two consecutive Bay Valley Conference titles. Meanwhile, Gentile would also serve as SCC's academic mentor for baseball, women's soccer, and men's and women's tennis.

Gentile started her coaching career with two years at the high school level before joining the coaching staff at Coe College, her alma mater. In 2015, she became an assistant coach at Northwest Missouri State University where she helped the then-ranked No. 16 Bearcats finish second in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association with the quickest season to 30 wins in program history.

"Academy of Art University is a unique place where student-athletes can experience not only athletic success, but tap into their artistic abilities and pursue both talents and dreams simultaneously," said Gentile. "I am excited to work in the bustling city I've adored and cherished my entire life. I want this program to be a fierce competitor in the Pacific West Conference and to make ART U a big name on the recruiting trail that attracts high character and extremely talented student-athletes."

A Bay Area native who grew up in Martinez and graduated from Alhambra High School, Gentile was a top 100 national recruit in 2010 who played three different positions at the University of Iowa. As a senior, she transferred to Coe College and finished her collegiate career by winning a conference championship, First Team All-Conference, and All-Region honors as well as leading the Iowa Athletic Conference in home runs and stolen bases.

Her grandfather, Jim Gentile, also known as "Diamond Jim," was a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played nine years in the majors. Born and raised in San Francisco, he was a three-time American League All-Star and hit five grand slams, including two on consecutive pitches in one game, which set an American League record that stood until 1987 (Don Mattingly).

After earning her bachelor's degree in Physical Education: Fitness Development from Coe College, Gentile completed her master's degree in Athletic Administration and Sports Management while working as a coach, instructor, and college liaison for All American Softball School out of West Sacramento.

Gentile is set to begin in her new role with ART U on Monday, June 1.