Phillip McElroy

Phil McElroy is entering his fourteenth season at the helm for the Lions. One of the most successful coaches in Emerson history, he has led the Lions to a postseason appearance in each of his thirteen seasons. McElroy is dedicated to his craft, and is recognized as a Four-Star Master Coach by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). He is one of only 113 College, High School and travel ball coaches to be recognized as a Four-Star Master Coach. 

During his tenure, Emerson softball has reached new levels of success. In 2007, Emerson won the conference championship, and made the school's first NCAA appearance.  They captured the conference championship again in 2009. The program has produced thirteen NFCA All-Region Selections, eight New England Softball Coaches Association All-Stars, and 58 All-Conference Selections.

McElroy's teams also perform well in the classroom. In 2013, the NFCA named Emerson College as the nation's top academic softball team, covering all divisions. In 2012, 2009 and 2007 the Lion's had the top grade point average (GPA) for all Division III softball teams. The 2010 team was ranked third, and the 2008 team was ranked fourth. The program has had six ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selections, and numerous players recognized by the NFCA for carrying a GPA of 3.5 or above.

McElroy has also reached his own personal milestones at Emerson. Entering the 2014 season, he has amassed a career record of 369 and 210, for an impressive .637 win percentage. On April 16, 2008 McElroy captured his 200th NCAA win against Lasell College, in his eighth season coaching the team. In 2009, McElroy was named conference Coach of the Year, after leading the Lions to their second conference championship in three years. 

Well respected nationally, McElroy was one of eight people named to the NCAA Division III Softball Championships Committee. He is also the former President of the New England Interscholastic Softball Coaches Association. 

Prior to Emerson, McElroy was an assistant coach at Bentley College (1994) and took over as interim coach in 1995 where he led the Falcons to a 16-23 record. From 1997-2001 McElroy was an assistant coach at Reading Memorial High School where, alongside his sister, head coach Jill McElroy, he won the 2001 Massachusetts Division 1 State High School Championship.

Accomplished in his field, Coach McElroy also brings over two decades of travel ball experience with him. He currently serves as the director of the Polar Crush. Prior to taking over as director with the Crush, he served as head coach of the Middlesex County Krush and the assistant coach of the Boston Bat Busters. These three youth softball programs have helped place numerous female student-athletes in college softball programs around the country. Coach McElroy's accomplishments with the Krush include nine Metro Boston ASA Championships and seven trips to ASA, NSA, and Pony National Championships.

Coach McElroy is also the current Junior Olympic Commissioner of Metro Boston ASA (1998-present). He resides in Arlington, Mass.