Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College has named Rob Traverse as an assistant softball coach.
 
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be on Coach Mary's staff and alongside my long-time friend, Rich Fonseca," Traverse said. "I love Coach Mary's vision and approach to the game.  Having worked with her over the years, as she recruited many of my players at R.I. Fire N' Ice, I know she is knowledgeable, fair and relates so well to the players. I look forward to helping RIC Softball become a perennial power in the Little East."  
 
"I am extremely excited to add Coach Rob to the staff!" Head Coach Mary Holt-Kelsch said. "He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. He has a strong ability to build the confidence of every athlete he works with and makes them believe they are capable of greatness."
 
"Coach Rob will work closely with our infield and help develop our team defense. He has a great mind for the game and does a tremendous job simplifying the game for our athletes. I am excited to work with Coach Rob and watch all the amazing things he will do for our program."
 
Traverse has an extensive softball coaching background, having most recently served as the Director and Head Coach of Rhode Island Fire N' Ice Fast-Pitch Softball from 2010-23.
 
He was an assistant athletic director at East Providence High School from 2016-22 and spent 20 years (1999-2019) as EPHS's varsity head softball coach. During his tenure at East Providence, he accumulated a 250-144 overall record, qualified for the playoffs in all but one season, captured three division titles ('01, '04 and '05) and coached 26 All-State selections. Traverse was named the 2013 Coach of the Year and his team was named the Team of the Year in 2019 by the Providence Journal.
 
In addition to his coaching duties, Traverse is the Senior Advisor/Director of Civic Programming and Special Projects for Secretary of State Gregg Amore.
 
Prior to his current duties, Traverse was educator for 33 years, culminating as a school counselor at East Providence High School.
 
He earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Rhode Island in 1989 and a master's in guidance and counseling from Providence College in 2001. Traverse played baseball at URI from 1985-89 and was a team captain.