Val Silvestrini enters the 2025–26 season in her 17th year as head coach of the Florida Tech softball program, having established herself as the most successful coach in the program’s history. Since taking over the Panthers, she has compiled a 438–332 overall record and became the program’s all-time wins leader in 2021, surpassing Hall of Famer Dr. Nancy Bottge. Silvestrini is the only coach in Florida Tech softball history to capture a Sunshine State Conference Championship and NCAA South Region titles, guiding the program to sustained postseason relevance. Her teams have consistently competed in one of the nation’s toughest Division II conferences, producing All-SSC selections, All-Region honorees, and strong academic performers. Notable seasons under her leadership include the historic 2019 campaign, when the Panthers claimed their first SSC title, reached the NCAA South Super Regional, and climbed as high as No. 4 in the national rankings, as well as the breakthrough 2015 season that delivered the program’s first NCAA DII South Region Championship.
Before arriving at Florida Tech, Silvestrini served as an assistant coach at the University of North Florida, Charleston Southern University, and Armstrong Atlantic State University, gaining experience across multiple levels of collegiate softball. A native of Argentina, she brings extensive international playing experience, having competed for the Argentine National Team from 1998 to 2007 and serving as team captain from 2005 until her retirement. She also played collegiately at Armstrong Atlantic, where she earned All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Tournament honors while setting multiple single-season offensive records. Silvestrini holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education teaching and coaching from ISEF N°1 in Buenos Aires and a master’s degree in sports medicine from Armstrong Atlantic State University, along with National Strength and Conditioning Association certification. Her blend of international playing pedigree, academic preparation, and long-term program leadership has made her a cornerstone of Florida Tech athletics.
