WORCESTER -- WPI Head Softball Coach Heather Ross will depart WPI after five seasons to become the head coach at Tufts.
 
Ross leaves Boynton Hill after establishing herself as one of the most successful coaches in WPI softball history, compiling a 147-77-1 record and a .656 winning percentage while leading the Engineers to two NEWMAC championships and some of the most successful seasons in program history.
 
"Under her tremendous leadership, Heather has taken our softball program to new heights these past five years including conference and regional titles as well as nationally with a special run to the NCAA Softball World Series while firmly committed to academics and the D3 model for student-athletes," said WPI Director of Physical Education, Recreation & Athletics Dana L. Harmon. "She has made a big impact on our student-athletes, helping them thrive at WPI and in life."
 
Ross' final season at WPI was one of the most successful in program history. The 2026 Engineers finished 44-5, won the NEWMAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Regional finals. WPI also produced three NFCA All-Americans, the most in program history, while seven Engineers earned NFCA All-Region honors, also a program record. Seventeen student-athletes earned NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete recognition with grade point averages of 3.50 or better, while Ross and her coaching staff were named the NEWMAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
 
The 2026 season was the second time Ross led WPI to a NEWMAC Championship and deep NCAA Tournament run. In her first season on Boynton Hill in 2022, Ross guided the Engineers to their first-ever NCAA Division III College World Series appearance. WPI captured the NEWMAC Championship before winning an NCAA Regional title at Arcadia (PA) and defeating Tufts in a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional to advance to the national finals.
 
Under Ross, the Engineers consistently combined success on the field with academic achievement. Her 2025 squad earned the NFCA's Highest Team GPA honor, while WPI student-athletes throughout her tenure regularly earned conference, regional and national academic recognition.
 
"I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to have coached at WPI and for the many people who have made these five years so meaningful," said Ross. "I am incredibly proud of what our student-athletes have accomplished and, more importantly, of the people they have become. The relationships built with our players, coaches, alumni, families and the entire WPI community will always be an important part of my time here. I am grateful to have been part of a program and department that values both competitive excellence and
the overall student-athlete experience."
 
Ross' five seasons included the two winningest seasons in program history. The 2026 team established a new program standard with 44 victories, while the 2022 squad's run to the College World Series marked a first for WPI softball. Her 147 victories during her five seasons also established Ross as the second winningest coach in program history.
 
"we are thankful for Heather's hard work and dedication to WPI softball and WPI Athletics, helping us all be the best we can be day in and day out," continued Harmon. "She has been an outstanding coach, colleague and advocate for our student-athletes.  We wish her nothing but the best in this new opportunity."
 
Ross will begin her new position at Tufts on September 14.  A national search will begin immediately for the next head coach at WPI.