Evaristo Named Head Softball Coach
NEW LONDON, Conn. – Yesenia "Coach Sen" Evaristo has been named the next head coach of the Mitchell College softball team, as announced by Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Sen as the next head coach of our softball program," said Finlayson. "She brings tremendous energy, a proven track record of developing student-athletes, and valuable experience at successful collegiate programs. Throughout the search process, it became clear that her vision, leadership, and passion for the game make her an outstanding fit for Mitchell College. I also want to thank Associate Athletic Director Todd Peretz for leading our search committee and helping identify the right person to guide our program into its next chapter."
Evaristo arrives at Mitchell after serving as pitching coach and assistant coach at Eastern Connecticut State University since January 2024. During her tenure with the Warriors, she helped guide the program to the 2025 Little East Conference regular-season championship and its 12th conference tournament title while advancing to the NCAA Tournament. She also played a key role in the development of multiple standout student-athletes, including the 2025 and 2026 Little East Conference Pitchers of the Year and the 2025 Conference Rookie of the Year. In addition to overseeing the pitching staff, Evaristo assisted with recruiting, practice planning, scheduling, campus visits, and overall program operations.
"I want to thank my family for their unwavering support as we begin this new chapter together," said Evaristo. "I would also like to thank all of the athletes I have had the privilege of coaching throughout my career. Each of them has played a role in helping me grow into the coach I am today and has helped make this opportunity possible. Softball has brought many blessings into my life, but this may be one of the greatest yet. I am excited for this team, the future of the program, and all that we will accomplish together. Let's go Mariners!"
Prior to joining Eastern Connecticut State, Evaristo spent nearly two seasons as assistant coach and pitching coach at Rhode Island College, where she helped the program record its first .500 season and earn its first conference tournament appearance in a decade. Her responsibilities included pitcher development, recruiting operations, and assisting with all facets of student-athlete growth both on and off the field.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Evaristo has served as a private instructor and performance trainer at Backstop since 2020, providing individualized instruction in pitching, hitting, and fielding while designing strength and conditioning programs for athletes of all ages. She currently coaches more than 40 athletes privately and has helped numerous players continue their careers at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels.
Evaristo also gained valuable leadership experience as head softball coach at Cranston High School East from 2019–22 and previously served as head coach and pitching coach for the CT Gators Softball Program, where she developed individualized training programs and emphasized both skill development and mental performance.
Beyond the softball field, Evaristo spent several years as a special education teacher and behavioral specialist.
A former NCAA Division II softball student-athlete, Evaristo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in communications from Southern Connecticut State University before completing a Master of Education degree in special education at Grand Canyon University. She also holds certifications as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach through ISSA.
