J. T. D’Amico

JT D’Amico was hired to be the Head Coach of the USSSA Pride shortly after helping guide the Washington to a Women’s College World Series appearance. “With the addition of J.T.’s leadership, bringing with him the winning traditions found at the University of Washington, I feel that this, combined with our talented, professional athletes, can only result in the highest calibrated team ever assembled,” USSSA General Manager Don DeDonatis said when asked about his new head coach.

JT D’Amico finished his fifth year on the UW Softball staff. His primary responsibility is being the defensive coordinator for the Huskies. Prior to coming to UW, D’Amico served as the head baseball coach at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Wash., for 11 years (1997 – 2008). He was part of the Huskies 2009 National championship year which culminated with the Husky staff being named the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year. In 2011, former Husky and three-time All-American, Jenn Salling was named the 2011 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

During his time as the head baseball coach at Eastlake, 10 of his players were drafted professionally while over 20 went on to play at the collegiate level. Three of his former players have reached the major leagues, including Blake Hawksworth. He also spent time as an associate scout with the Atlanta Braves for several years during his time at Eastlake. In addition, his younger brother Jeff, played in the major leagues and is currently the golf pro at Wing Point Golf & Country Club on Bainbridge Island, Wash.

He also served as the head coach for the Washington Ladyhawks Gold club team from 2006-08, leading them to a seventh-place finish at Gold Nationals in 2008 and a 13th place finish in 2006. With the Ladyhawks, he coached several current & former Huskies. An avid golfer and reader, he was married to Heather Tarr on August 27th, 2010.