ULAA Board Approves Head Coach Holly Aprile's Contract Extension
February 19, 2026 | General, Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors has approved a contract extension for University of Louisville softball head coach Holly Aprile through the 2029 season.
"Holly Aprile has done an outstanding job leading our program, and this extension reflects our confidence in her vision and leadership," said Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird. "Holly's passion for the game and dedication to her players have positioned our program for sustained success."
"Under Holly's guidance, our softball program has grown stronger both competitively and culturally. She has built a foundation centered on player development and accountability, and emphasizing academic success. Our student-athletes continue to represent Louisville with class and integrity, and that is a direct reflection of her leadership."
Aprile is in her eighth season at the helm of the Cardinals and has guided the program to sustained success during her tenure. The Cardinals have compiled 189 wins and earned two NCAA Regional appearances, including a trip to the 2023 Knoxville Regional and a berth in the 2019 NCAA Regional final. Under her leadership, Louisville has produced two NFCA All-Americans, nine All-Region selections and 18 All-ACC honorees.
Aprile became just the second head coach in program history following the retirement of Sandy Pearsall, who founded the program in 2000.
Aprile has accumulated 466 wins throughout her career and was named the 2018 ACC Coach of the Year after an appearance in the ACC Championship game.
Most recently, the Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 26-25 overall record. Louisville led the ACC and ranked among the nation's top three in triples (24) and triples per game (0.48), while posting the second-most stolen bases in program history with 90. The Cardinals went 4-0 in extra-inning contests, defeated No. 6 Florida State and No. 25 FAU, and posted a 4-2 record against in-state opponents. Highlights included a 22-2 victory over Cleveland State that tied the program record for runs in a game and triples in a game, as well as a program-record eight stolen bases against Bellarmine.
In her first season leading the Cardinals in 2019, Aprile made an immediate impact, guiding Louisville to a 35-23 record and a berth in the NCAA Regional final. The Cardinals earned wins over six nationally ranked opponents, including an upset of No. 3 Florida State. Louisville set a school record with 106 stolen bases and led the NCAA in triples per game, showcasing the aggressive, speed-oriented style that has become a hallmark of Aprile's teams.
"Holly Aprile has done an outstanding job leading our program, and this extension reflects our confidence in her vision and leadership," said Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird. "Holly's passion for the game and dedication to her players have positioned our program for sustained success."
"Under Holly's guidance, our softball program has grown stronger both competitively and culturally. She has built a foundation centered on player development and accountability, and emphasizing academic success. Our student-athletes continue to represent Louisville with class and integrity, and that is a direct reflection of her leadership."
Aprile is in her eighth season at the helm of the Cardinals and has guided the program to sustained success during her tenure. The Cardinals have compiled 189 wins and earned two NCAA Regional appearances, including a trip to the 2023 Knoxville Regional and a berth in the 2019 NCAA Regional final. Under her leadership, Louisville has produced two NFCA All-Americans, nine All-Region selections and 18 All-ACC honorees.
Aprile became just the second head coach in program history following the retirement of Sandy Pearsall, who founded the program in 2000.
Aprile has accumulated 466 wins throughout her career and was named the 2018 ACC Coach of the Year after an appearance in the ACC Championship game.
Most recently, the Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 26-25 overall record. Louisville led the ACC and ranked among the nation's top three in triples (24) and triples per game (0.48), while posting the second-most stolen bases in program history with 90. The Cardinals went 4-0 in extra-inning contests, defeated No. 6 Florida State and No. 25 FAU, and posted a 4-2 record against in-state opponents. Highlights included a 22-2 victory over Cleveland State that tied the program record for runs in a game and triples in a game, as well as a program-record eight stolen bases against Bellarmine.
In her first season leading the Cardinals in 2019, Aprile made an immediate impact, guiding Louisville to a 35-23 record and a berth in the NCAA Regional final. The Cardinals earned wins over six nationally ranked opponents, including an upset of No. 3 Florida State. Louisville set a school record with 106 stolen bases and led the NCAA in triples per game, showcasing the aggressive, speed-oriented style that has become a hallmark of Aprile's teams.
Highlights: Louisville SB vs. No. 18 Florida State (Gm. 1)
Thursday, July 11
Highlights: Louisville SB at Boston College
Sunday, May 05
SB: Daisy Hess and Sam Booe Postgame vs. #22/21 Clemson
Saturday, April 27
Highlights: Louisville SB vs. No. 22/21 Clemson (Gm. 2)
Saturday, April 27
