LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Women’s Soccer Head Coach Steve Karbowski has completed his 2018 staff with the addition of assistant coach Dara Battistoni. A native of Pleasant Valley, New York, Battistoni joins the Saints following a decorated collegiate playing career at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

“I’m excited to have Dara join our staff, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with her,” said Karbowski, who is set to enter his 20^th season as the Saints’ head coach this fall. “She brings an intelligent view of the game, professionalism, and thoughtful maturity. Her college experience as both a student athlete and as a leader will provide great contributions to our program. Dara is a welcome addition who will serve as a positive influence for the team.”

A 2017 Second Team All-Northeast Conference selection and a 2014 All-Rookie Team honoree, Battistoni appeared in 75 matches including 59 starts spanning her four-year career with Fairleigh Dickinson. She totaled 18 career points, 13 of which came during her junior season when she ranked tied for sixth in the conference in scoring.

Battistoni helped guide the Knights to 46 wins and both an NEC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance as a sophomore in 2015. FDU won at least a share of three NEC Regular Season Championships during her career, while amassing a stellar 25-4-3 (.828) conference record.

Battistoni concluded her senior year by joining the Knights’ outdoor track and field squad, where she was named an NEC All-Rookie Team selection after placing seventh overall in javelin at the conference championships this spring with a mark of 34.58 meters.

Battistoni graduated cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson with her B.S. in General Science and a minor in psychology. She served as FDU’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee President during her senior year, and was the recipient of the Richard Panicucci Service Award. Battistoni was the founder of both the Sports Marketing Club and Comeback Club at FDU, the latter of which provides resources and support for injured student athletes.

Battistoni joins a Siena Women’s Soccer program which posted an 11-8 overall record last season, and finished fourth in the MAAC with a 6-4 league ledger. The Saints are set to return eight starters this fall, while also welcoming in the largest freshman class in program history featuring nine newcomers.

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