It didn't take long after Maryville Athletics announced Jill Moore as head softball coach in November 2022 for the hire to begin paying dividends. Moore in just two seasons has compiled a 62-28 (.689) record that includes a sparkling 24-8 (.750) mark in Collegiate Conference of the South play. 

The Scots under their third-year head coach are coming off a memorable season that saw them earn the No. 21 ranking in the final National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll. Maryville set program records for season wins and winning percentage, finishing 35-13 (.729) and reaching the brink of an NCAA regional championship. A heartbreaking 7-6 loss followed by a second loss to sixth-ranked Berry in the regional final round denied Maryville its first NCAA Super Regional appearance.
 
But Maryville had plenty of highlight moments as well, including a sweep through the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament, an at-large selection to the NCAA tournament and regional victories over nationally ranked Berry and Transylvania.

It was Maryville's fifth NCAA appearance but first since the Scots went back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. Maryville also made the NCAA tournament field in 2002 and 2007.
 
In the CCS tournament, Maryville went 4-0 with two victories against a Belhaven team that went on to play for the national championship. Maryville evened up the season series against the Blazers by defeating them 6-3 in 13 innings and then 6-5 in the championship game.

The program place three Scots on the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association's All-Region VI Team. Catcher Sara Koonce was a Second Team selection for the second year in a row, while pitcher Megan Ackerman and third baseman Brecca Williams were chosen for the Third Team.

Moore in her first season at Maryville put together at 27-15 record and 12-4 mark in the inaugural season of the CCS. The Scots advanced all the way to the conference tournament finals before losing the best-of-three series against Belhaven.

Previous Coaching Stops at UMBC, Lynn
Moore arrived at Maryville after nine seasons at Lynn in Division II in the very competitive Sunshine State Conference. She was an assistant coach for six seasons and head coach for three, formulating a consistent dedication to the student-athlete experience and culture. Moore coached four All-SSC student-athletes as a head coach and boasted a team 3.66 GPA.
   
Moore’s first position was for two seasons as an assistant coach at Division I UMBC. She supported the program with her efforts in recruiting, student-athlete eligibility and academic progress, in addition to her field duties.
 
“I am honored and truly grateful to join the Maryville College family as its new softball coach,” Moore said. “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Sara Quatrocky, President Coker and Dr. Tucker for believing in me as their leader and for allowing me the opportunity to carry out their vision for a successful program.
 
“The focus on family and character within the Maryville College Athletics Department was clear throughout the entire interview process, and I’m looking forward to establishing a culture that is centered around making an impact on our players as people, as students and on the field. The excitement and passion this program bring to the community are extremely special, and I am overwhelmed with appreciation. I cannot wait for the bright future ahead and I’m excited to be a Scot!”

Played Division I Softball 
Moore is a Pittsburgh native who stayed close to home and played collegiately at Division I Robert Morris. She was a two-time All-Northeast Conference catcher who started 170 of 174 games played over her four seasons and fashioned a .345 career batting average.
 
She graduated from Robert Morris with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then earned her master’s in Education from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
 
Moore and her husband, Jeff, are the parents of Cooper and Cece.

The Jill Moore Era
2023:     27-15 (12-4 CCS)
2024:     35-13 (12-4 CCS)

Maryville: 62-28 (.689)  Conference 24-8 (.750)
Career:     76-73 (.510)  Conference 25-39 (.391)