Zavolta was named head softball coach at McDaniel on Aug. 21, 2024. She is the sixth head coach in the 44-year history of the softball program and only the third since 1989.
Prior to McDaniel, Zavolta spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bridgewater College in Virginia where she helped the Eagles to an average of 20 wins per season and two appearances in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Softball Championship. She served as the Eagles’ recruiting coordinator, implemented practice plans, worked with pitchers and catchers and monitored each player’s academic standing.
Zavolta coached four years at her alma mater, Allegheny College, from 2018-22, serving as an assistant developing daily practice plans with the head coach and working on skill development, game preparation, and training. She worked with pitchers and catchers and managed all stages of the program’s recruiting efforts.
A native of Trafford, Pennsylvania, Zavolta played four seasons for the Gators, serving as team captain for three while earning three All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honors. She started 113 career games as a catcher and shortstop and totaled a .297 batting average with 97 hits, including 18 doubles and four home runs, 56 RBIs, and 50 runs scored.
In 2018, Zavolta was named to the All-NCAC First Team as a senior, leading the Gators with four home runs and 32 RBIs while finishing second on the team with a .368 batting average. That year, she was also selected to the NCAC All-Tournament Team.
Zavolta graduated from Allegheny in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in global health studies. She received her master’s degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from California University of Pennsylvania in 2021.
Zavolta also has experience as a physical therapist and spent six years as a volunteer with Team Impact, teaching young players the fundamental skills of softball.
