LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Hofstra University Softball Team Head
Coach Bill Edwards upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 distin-
guished seasons in coaching

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, to commend notable athletic coaches who
serve the youth of this great Empire State, and who have distinguished
themselves and their schools through outstanding commitment and exem-
plary athletic achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Hofstra University Softball Team Head Coach Bill Edwards upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after 25 distinguished seasons in coaching; and
WHEREAS, Since 1990, Coach Bill Edwards has built a remarkable career
with the Hofstra Softball program spanning 1,350 games, and including 15
NCAA Tournament appearances; and
WHEREAS, Under this esteemed man's guidance, Hofstra went from a below
.500 team in 1989, to a nationally respected power that captured 18
postseason conference championships, including 10 Colonial Athletic
Association titles; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bill Edwards has become renowned across the collegiate
softball world both for helping his student-athletes achieve excellence
on the field and in the classroom, and for transforming Hofstra into a
nationally recognized program; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bill Edwards' teams have won a regular season or
conference tournament title in 22 consecutive seasons entering the 2014
season; furthermore, his teams have won at least one game in each of
their last 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including this year's victory
over Bryant in the first round of the tournament; and
WHEREAS, One of only 23 coaches to have reached 900 wins, Coach Bill
Edwards finished his NCAA tenure with a 928-419-3 record, giving him the
most wins of any program in the history of the Hofstra Department of
Athletics; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Bill Edwards has
been named Coach of the Year six consecutive times and Regional Coach of
the Year 12 times during his career; in addition, he is a member of the
Iona Hall of Fame for his outstanding work coaching men's hockey, and is
also enshrined in the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Coach Bill Edwards has educated and
touched the lives of countless student-athletes during his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Janie and their two
daughters, Shari and Karen, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bill Edwards' positive demeanor, selfless commitment,
and caring concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach
and mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of his communi-
ty, his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Hofstra University Softball Team Head Coach Bill Edwards upon the
occasion of his retirement after 25 distinguished seasons in coaching;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Bill Edwards.