READING, Pa. – After 13 seasons leading the Penn State Berks softball program, head coach Donna Ference has announced her retirement, bringing to a close the most successful eras in program history.

Ference leaves Penn State Berks as the winningest coach in program history, compiling a remarkable 294-138-1 overall record while dominating conference competition with a 196-38 mark from 2014 through 2026. During her tenure, the Nittany Lions captured seven United East Conference Championships, including five titles in a six-year span from 2014 to 2019, and established themselves as one of the premier softball programs in the conference.

"Donna was one of the first coaches I had the opportunity to meet when I arrived at Penn State Berks, and it quickly became clear why she had built such a successful program," said Director of Athletics Barry Beal. "Her commitment to her student-athletes, passion for the game, and dedication to the university have been evident throughout her entire career. While her accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, what stands out most is the positive impact she has had on the lives of so many student-athletes. On behalf of Penn State Berks Athletics, I want to thank Donna for her years of hard work, leadership, and service to our softball program. We wish her nothing but the best in retirement."

Her success was reflected not only in team accomplishments but also in the achievements of the student-athletes she mentored. Under Ference's guidance, Penn State Berks produced one National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American, 10 NFCA All-Region selections, 61 All-Conference honorees, 28 First Team All-Conference selections, six United East Players of the Year, seven United East Pitchers of the Year, one United East Rookie of the Year, and seven United East Tournament MVPs. Ference herself was recognized as the United East Coach of the Year six times.

While the accolades are impressive, those who played for Ference point to the relationships she built and the culture she created as her greatest achievements.

"Coach Donna is one of the most supportive and organized coaches I have ever had," former player Susan Duncan said. "Looking back on my experience at Penn State Berks, I am incredibly grateful that she gave me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love."

Duncan transferred to Penn State Berks during her sophomore year and credits Ference with helping shape both her athletic and personal development.

"She fostered a positive team culture that made me feel comfortable and confident in my role, my position, and my relationships with my teammates," Duncan said. "She trusted me to take on a leadership role early on, and without that trust and confidence, I would not be the person I am today."

Ference's influence extended long after her players graduated. Duncan noted that the two still keep in touch regularly, discussing everything from softball to Phillies baseball, and that Ference's mentorship inspired her own coaching aspirations.

"As a coach myself, I often find that many of my leadership approaches reflect the example Coach Donna set," Duncan said. "I hope to follow in her footsteps and find a program where I can make the same positive impact on athletes that she has made on me."

Former standout Naomi Fay echoed those sentiments.

"It was such a privilege to play for Coach Donna," Fay said. "She built strong teams based on trust that went both ways. Her belief in us as players inspired us to work harder for each other, our coaches and the program. The impact she had extended far beyond the softball field, and I will always be grateful to have been a part of the program she built."

For many players, Ference's commitment to their growth as people was just as important as her dedication to developing them as athletes.

"Coach Donna's impact on my journey goes farther than just softball," said Paige Brightwell. "She helped me become a better pitcher and taught me how to compete with confidence, but what meant the most was how much she cared about me as a person. She always took the time to check in, listen, and support me, regardless of what was happening on the field."

Former pitcher and United East Pitcher of the Year Brianna Smith highlighted the lasting connections Ference maintains with her players even after their collegiate careers end.

"It is hard to put into words the impact Coach Donna has had on my life and just how much she still means to me today," Smith said. "Once you leave Penn State Berks Softball, you never truly leave. She helped me develop not only as a pitcher but also as a leader. I am so glad to have had Coach Donna not only as a coach but also as a mentor."

The sustained success of the Penn State Berks softball program under Ference was built on a foundation of accountability, trust, and genuine care for her student-athletes. Her teams consistently competed for conference championships, advanced to NCAA postseason play, and represented the university with distinction both on and off the field.

As she steps away from the dugout, Ference leaves behind far more than wins, trophies, and records. Her legacy can be found in the generations of student-athletes she mentored, the lifelong relationships she built, and the culture of excellence she established at Penn State Berks.