A name that is very well-known in softball on the high school level in previous years, Coach Dengler brings valuable experience to an upstart softball program at Penn State Harrisburg. In 1994 as a member of the Annville-Cleona softball team she was named to The Patriot News Big 11 First Team, having received second team and honorable mention honors in the previous three years. Coach Dengler earned four varsity letters in both softball and field hockey.

After graduating from high school, Dengler was a three-year starter at Northeast Louisiana University. Following an internship her senior year, she transferred to Wilmington College, where she graduated.

For the past six years Coach Dengler has been involved in coaching high school softball. From 1998-2001 she skippered Lebanon Catholic High School and led the school to its first District 3 playoff berth. More recently she served as a varsity assistant coach at Middletown High School.

Admitting that softball is a very big part of her life, Coach Dengler is very excited at the opportunity to coach at Penn State Harrisburg. "There is a lot of local talent in the mid-state from which to draw from and anytime there is an opportunity to give athletes to play on the collegiate level is a bonus for the sport of softball. My hope is that the Lady Lion softball team will inspire young girls to continue to play with the goal of someday playing on this level."

Coach Dengler has been married for five years and is a new mother. Outside of coaching softball, she works for the Federal Aviation Administration and also coaches high school field hockey. When she is not coaching or working, she enjoys playing in a billiard league with her husband.

Coaching Philosophy

Fundamentals win championships. The skills that are taught in tee ball and little league are the same skills that, when properly executed, will win a College World Series. The principles of the game do not change, only the level of competition. A simple skill such as laying down a sacrifice bunt can make the difference in winning or losing a ball game.

In addition, I believe in always demonstrating the highest level of sportsmanship on the playing field. I teach my players to win with grace and lose with dignity. No competitive athlete likes to lose, but it is how that athlete handles the loss that shows her true character.