Pearl River's varsity softball and girls track and field programs count themselves among the high school's most successful programs.
Both got new varsity head coaches Wednesday.
The Pearl River Board of Education approved spring sports coaches at Wednesday's meeting, including three new varsity head coaches -- Carisa Gaylardo for softball, Michael McCafferty for girls track and field and Ken Driscoll for boys tennis.
Gaylardo takes over for . She takes over a team that reached the Section 1 Class A quarterfinals last year after winning section championships the four previous seasons.
Gaylardo played college softball at SUNY-Cortland. She previously coached the varsity softball team at Manhasset High School, then last season at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, where she is a physical education teacher.
"Carisa is an extremely well-rounded individual who brings a wealth of softball knowledge and experience to the Pearl River softball program," Pearl River Director of Athletics Todd Santabarbara said. "Her collegiate playing experience, high school varsity coaching experience and background as a certified personal trainer, working specifically with baseball and softball teams, are just several of the variables that make her a great fit for this position."
The graduate of North Babylon High School in Long Island has also coached travel softball.
McCafferty is an assistant coach with Pearl River's indoor track and field, team which won the Section 1 Class B championship Feb. 13.
Liam McGuirk coached the Pirates to their seventh consecutive spring track and field Section 1 Class B championship last March after taking over for long-time coach Dan Doherty. Both McGuirk and Doherty will be working with the team as volunteer assistants.
Driscoll most recently coached the girls swimming team at Pearl River before stepping down after the 2011 season. He also coached the junior varsity boys tennis team.
Check back with Patch for more on Pearl River's new spring sports coaches and Wednesday's Pearl River Board of Education meeting.
