Julia Popovich completed her second season as the IUP softball assistant coach in 2013, after guiding the Crimson Hawks to a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title a year ago.
Popovich helped direct the Crimson Hawks to a 26-15 overall record and a 7-9 record in the PSAC Central Division in 2013.
Popovich’s debut season with IUP was one marked with success, as she helped the Crimson Hawks to their second consecutive PSAC crown and an appearance in the NCAA Atlantic Region 1 Championship in 2012.
Prior to IUP, Popovich was a volunteer assistant coach at Coastal Carolina University from 2010-2011, where she was instrumental in developing outfielders, hitters/slappers, and pitchers.
Before beginning her coaching career, Popovich wrapped up an outstanding playing career at PSAC rival Lock Haven, where she was a four-year starter for the Bald Eagles.
Popovich was a part of two NCAA Division II National Championship squads with Lock Haven in 2006 and 2009, and was named to the National Championship All-Tournament Team both of those seasons.
She was a two-time All-PSAC West first team selection in 2006 and 2007, and was named the 2009 PSAC Tournament Most Valuable Player. In addition, Popovich was a member of the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Team in 2007.
She owns the Lock Haven single season record for at bats with 199 and ranks second in hits in a single season with 70. Popovich is also listed in the top 10 in a number of Lock Haven career records, including games played (218, fifth), at bats (678, second), hits (202, fifth), runs scored (138, second) and stolen bases (46, sixth) Finishing her career with a batting average of .307.
Popovich's coaching career began while she was still at Lock Haven, where she served as a student assistant coach for the Bald Eagles from 2009-2010.
Popovich earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Lock Haven in the spring of 2010. A native of Lemont, PA, Popovich graduated from State College High School in 2005.
Updated on 6/3/13
