With a little more than a year to go until opening day, the transformation at One Pace Plaza East is already reshaping downtown—and redefining the student experience for the Sands College of Performing Arts and for the University. Behind the scaffolding and steel is a team of dedicated professionals breathing new life into one of the University’s most iconic spaces. At the heart of this ambitious project is a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center: a bold investment in the future of Pace’s thriving performing arts programs. Featuring cutting-edge classrooms, expansive rehearsal studios, and premier creative spaces, the new home of the Sands, Dyson, and University-wide program spaces will provide students and faculty with the tools to create, collaborate, and innovate at the highest level. As construction charges ahead, we caught up with the people making it happen—leaders from Campus Planning and Facilities, including Mark Malekshahi, Wayne Chen, and Ryan McEnany, along with the team at DBI Projects led by Jordan Barr—for an inside look at how this transformational renovation is progressing. In this special photo feature, we present ten questions that explore not only the progress made so far, but also the vision, challenges, and moments of awe that are bringing the future home to Pace.

What are the most significant milestones you've hit so far in the One Pace Plaza East renovation?

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Significant progress has been made on the One Pace Plaza East renovation since the start of construction in Fall 2023. Overall, construction is approximately 50 percent complete. Among the top highlights are the completion of excavation and foundation work for the re-envisioned Schimmel Theater. The intricate gridiron and girder system supporting the podium floors above the theater have also been installed—an essential intervention enabling the enlarged stage, fly tower, and audience chamber.

In addition, major equipment for the building’s systems infrastructure is now in place, with roughly 80 percent installed. One of the largest free-standing cranes on the eastern seaboard was used in Spring 2025 to lift this equipment to the top of Maria’s Tower—an impressive sight to witness.

Do you have a favorite visual detail in the building's current phase that you'd love the Pace Community to see right now?

A particularly striking detail in this construction phase is the newly inserted steel structure used to expand the fly tower in the significantly enlarged Schimmel Theater. Even with only the new concrete balcony poured, one can already appreciate how intimately the audience will be connected to the stage—a standout feature of the design.

What’s a moment from construction that made you stop and say, “This is really happening”?

Two moments in particular solidified the reality of the project. The first was the commencement and completion of the Schimmel Theater’s excavation and foundation work. Based on the original footprint, this phase laid the groundwork for the future theater’s modern infrastructure and orchestra-level seating.

The second was the dramatic cutting away of floor slabs to create the double-height spaces for the Garden Theater, the Blackbox Theater, and the large dance rehearsal space for the students at Sands College.

What aspects of the Performing Arts Center or creative spaces do you think will be most transformational for Pace’s programs?

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Each of the new theaters under construction possesses unique qualities that will significantly benefit both students and faculty. Whether it’s the increased fly tower height in the new Schimmel Theater or the Garden Theater’s seamless integration with the courtyard, the versatility of these spaces is designed to inspire bold and imaginative new productions.

What’s been the most complex challenge during construction to date—and how did the team overcome it?

The most complex challenge has been navigating issues stemming from existing conditions while maintaining the construction schedule. In an occupied building, there is a limit to what can be surveyed before construction begins. Despite numerous unexpected conditions discovered during demolition, the team has remained proactive—focusing on how each challenge could be resolved to benefit the long-term functionality of the building.

Are there any design features—like materials, acoustics, or environmental systems—that are particularly innovative or unique to this space?

A key sustainability feature of the renovation is the transition to an all-electric infrastructure to meet the building’s cooling demands. These energy-efficient upgrades at One Pace Plaza East will help Pace achieve its broader decarbonization goals.

From a design standpoint, one distinctive feature is the use of subtly varying floor elevations—spaces gently ramp up and down. To achieve the necessary acoustic isolation within the existing shell, specific rooms were constructed with independent floor and wall systems.

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How do the renovations to Maria’s Tower integrate with the larger mission of the project?

The renovations to Maria’s Tower—from gut-renovated bathrooms to refreshed residential spaces—are essential to the University’s goal of offering vibrant, modern living environments that are in close proximity to academic and creative spaces on the New York City Campus.

How are the performance and rehearsal spaces being tailored specifically for today’s creative arts students and future performers?

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The program spaces are designed not only to support outstanding performances but also to function as exceptional teaching environments. For instance, catwalks in the Schimmel Theater have been enlarged to allow more students to participate hands-on in learning about lighting and technical production—acknowledging that designing for instruction is distinct from designing for production alone.

What excites you most about how these new spaces will support interdisciplinary work—from theater to podcasting to digital design?

What’s most exciting is having such a wide range of performance, production, and maker spaces located under one roof. The proximity of a theater to a rehearsal studio, to a workshop, to a makerspace, to a podcast room is expected to spark collaboration and enthusiasm across disciplines—fostering a vibrant, creative campus culture.

What role does sustainability play in this project, and how does it contribute to Pace’s broader climate goals?

Sustainability plays a pivotal role in this project, with a strong commitment to achieving LEED and WELL certifications. Achieving these certifications will significantly enhance the quality of life, teaching and learning at Pace. Beyond just achieving these types of certifications, the project is making an extraordinary commitment to transition to an all-electric system, effectively removing the campus's reliance on steam and substantially reducing its carbon footprint. This is a focal point and objection of all of Pace’s major projects.

Want to learn more about the new spaces set to open in Fall 2026? Visit our page dedicated to all things One Pace Plaza East.

The world is changing—fast. From global economies to civic institutions, today’s landscape is evolving in ways few could have predicted a generation ago. But with that change comes possibility. We are living in a moment that calls not just for professionals, but for bold thinkers, compassionate problem-solvers, and resilient leaders ready to build a better future.

At Pace University, nationally ranked programs in law, public administration, and nursing are doing more than preparing students for jobs. They’re cultivating the minds and values of those who will shape their fields—and the world—with conscience and conviction.

In classrooms, clinics, and community partnerships, students are learning to lead through complexity and to meet the future with clarity and purpose.

Across these programs, Pace faculty are helping students explore pressing challenges—from protecting democratic systems to advancing health equity—and showing what it takes to thrive as leaders in a world that’s still being written.

How Nursing Goes Beyond Symptoms

Few professions embody the pressures of these times more clearly than nursing. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, nurses weren’t just present at the front lines—they were holding the line, often without clear guidance, adequate protection, or a path forward.

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That experience reshaped the future of the profession. Today, nursing is undergoing what Gabrielle Ranger-Murdock, DNP, PMHNP-BC, assistant professor and specialty track coordinator for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, describes as a fundamental shift. “We’re facing our own reckoning and rebuilding of what healthcare looks like and feels like,” said Ranger-Murdock. “For ourselves, and also for our patients.”

Ranger-Murdock, a doctor of nursing practice and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in reproductive psychiatry and women’s mental health, has seen how the pandemic surfaced long-standing issues: nurse burnout, structural inequities, and the growing demands of a more informed patient population.

“The pandemic brought forward nurse burnout. It raised the question: are we protected and cared for in our work?” she said. “And then we’re also reckoning with our patients, who are now more aware of what they deserve, what they should have access to—and what they don’t have access to, sometimes because of limitations within the healthcare field itself.”

We’re facing our own reckoning and rebuilding of what healthcare looks like and feels like.
—Ranger-Murdock

At the Lienhard School of Nursing within Pace’s College of Health Professions, nursing students are being prepared not only to meet these challenges, but to lead conversations around how care is delivered. That includes developing fluency in an increasingly important concept: cultural competence.

Cultural competence, at its core, is about taking more than what’s on the chart into consideration, understanding that symptoms are just part of a more comprehensive personal story. This practice goes beyond diagnoses and influences how healthcare professionals connect with their patients.

“Cultural competence is something we’ve talked about for a long time,” Ranger-Murdock explains. “We’ve come to adjust what that means. Now, it’s more about self-awareness, looking within. What are your own biases? How might they impact your ability to provide the best care possible?”

This shift toward a mindset of lifelong learning and reflection is central to how Ranger-Murdock teaches. It also reflects how nursing at Pace is evolving to meet today’s complex realities. “It’s really shifting to cultural humility, and being committed to ongoing learning,” she said. “You’re never going to stop learning as a nurse. Never.”

You’re never going to stop learning as a nurse. Never.
—Ranger-Murdock

Ranger-Murdock encourages her students to go beyond clinical prowess and to lead with curiosity and respect, considering the full range of identities and lived experiences they may encounter across race, gender, family structure, and immigration status. “How are you positioning yourself in curiosity, in listening, and in grounding yourself to make sure you’re centering the patient in their care always?” Ranger-Murdock said. “Meeting the patient where they are, always.”

Just as nurses must adapt to the evolving needs of patients, the Leinhard School of Nursing is constantly adapting to meet the needs of nursing students. "We’re undertaking a thoughtful curriculum revamp," Ranger-Murdock explains. "By expanding our program requirements—such as increasing clinical hours to 760 and enhancing simulation experiences—we’re deepening students’ skills and broadening their exposure to diverse patient populations, not just to meet the needs of today’s healthcare landscape, but to anticipate tomorrow’s."

The point is not just to train nurses to administer care but to lead and advocate, for fellow healthcare professionals and their patients alike, regardless of where they are in their career. “We’re really asking our students: how do we cultivate leadership at every level?” Ranger-Murdock said. “How can their skills be honed to foster the compassion and empathy that drives leadership in nursing?”

For Ranger-Murdock, that journey begins with self-reflection and a mindset rooted in openness—qualities that become even more essential in a healthcare field full of new challenges and possibilities.

Where Policy and Purpose Meet

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Behind every frontline response is a system—funding it, staffing it, and making it work. Public administration is where those systems are built, managed, and reimagined. Today’s public leaders must navigate a shifting landscape. The challenge for students pursuing careers in public service comes down to balancing innovation with integrity.

“Some of the challenges of public administration are traditional and long-standing,” said Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran, PhD, Dyson professor and department chair of the public administration program. “Such as balancing economic efficiency with democratic values such as transparency, accountability, and fairness.”

At Pace, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program helps students meet those challenges with a mix of analytics and insight. NASPAA-accredited and nationally ranked, the program prepares students to lead across government, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors. “We go beyond just training managers,” Scutelnicu-Todoran said. “We want to build leaders.”

Public administrators are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between time-tested organizational structures and the transformative potential of emerging tools like generative artificial intelligence (AI). At Pace, students aren’t just reacting to how AI is reshaping their daily lives—they’re preparing to harness its power to improve the very systems they aim to lead, using innovation as a catalyst for meaningful, future-ready change. “Our students need to know how to use AI effectively, but also how to recognize its limits,” Scutelnicu-Todoran explained. “It can’t replace the ability to interpret, evaluate, and make sound decisions.”

We go beyond just training managers. We want to build leaders.
—Scutelnicu-Todoran

Through community-engaged research, paid partnerships, and applied policy projects, MPA students learn to serve the public interest while navigating real-world complexities. Leadership development is paired with training in ethics, communication, and civic engagement, skills that are increasingly urgent in an era of polarization and misinformation. “Civic education, civic engagement, community engagement—these are more necessary today than they’ve ever been,” Scutelnicu-Todoran said.

Students are also encouraged to think globally. The department is working to reintroduce international learning opportunities, particularly in emerging democracies, to help students develop a broader perspective on governance and accountability. According to Scutelnicu-Todoran, “Leadership in a global context brings a new set of challenges.”

There is no better time to get a degree in public service.
—Scutelnicu-Todoran

Whether in local government or international nonprofits, recent Pace MPA graduates are working at the Federal Reserve, the Environmental Defense Fund, and other major institutions. Their careers span public affairs, strategic planning, healthcare policy, and more.

In a time of rapid change and new possibilities, public administrators who can adapt with confidence and lead with integrity are more essential than ever. “There is no better time to get a degree in public service,” says Scutelnicu-Todoran. “This is when you can really make a difference.”

The Rule of Law in Unruly Times

The legal system is the backbone of any functioning democracy, and today’s lawyers are stepping into a profession where the stakes are nothing less than constitutional.

This is not an ordinary moment for the legal profession. Lawyers are navigating attacks on judicial independence, executive overreach, and increasing attempts to politicize the law itself. At Pace’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, students are preparing to lead not only with legal expertise, but with ethical clarity and civic purpose.

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“I want my students to realize how precarious our democracy is today—how precarious the rule of law is,” said Professor Bennett L. Gershman, JD, who has taught at Haub Law since its founding in 1976. “And I want them to realize that as lawyers, they have a solemn duty. They take an oath to uphold the rule of law.”

That duty is a constant thread in Haub Law’s curriculum. The school is nationally recognized for its environmental law and public interest programs, but across all focus areas, students are trained to think critically about their responsibility within and to the legal system. Real-world experience begins early, through clinics and externships that take students into courtrooms and community advocacy settings.

“We have an immigration justice clinic—it’s been quite robust, especially under the late Vanessa Merton, and it remains strong today,” Gershman said. “Many of our students want to go into immigration representation.”

The challenges facing new lawyers aren’t just technical, but systemic. Faculty at Haub Law have responded by creating spaces for students to explore the legal and ethical dimensions of today’s political climate, such as a recent event called Lawyers, Law Schools, and the Rule of Law in Unprecedented Times. At this event, faculty provided a forum for an open conversation on the pressures facing students not just as future lawyers and judges, but also as people navigating the world.

Law is consequential. It shapes society
—Gershman

“The rule of law relies on separation of powers and checks and balances,” said Professor Lissa Griffin, JD, who teaches professional responsibility. “The first thing for everyone to think about is: Is the Constitution and is the rule of law being protected?”

Griffin and her colleagues spoke about recent attacks on the judiciary, the politicization of the Department of Justice, and unprecedented executive actions affecting lawyers’ rights and independence. “If lawyer independence is threatened, that’s very serious,” Griffin said. “We were concerned that it was so unprecedented, and worried students were maybe thinking this is just the current version of politics.” The concern faculty held was that students without the benefits of experience may think these attacks are just part of the natural swinging of the political pendulum. “We wanted to get across just how really extraordinary this time is.”

For Gershman, the challenge goes beyond politics and is about centering the law as a moral and civic tool. He urges his students to reflect on why they want to practice law, and what kind of professionals they hope to be. “Law is consequential. It shapes society,” Gershman said. “Lawyers have been enablers of tyranny and champions against it.”

We wanted to get across just how really extraordinary this time is.

—Griffin

Both professors agree: leadership in law today means knowing the rules, defending the system, and staying grounded in ethics, even when the system itself is under stress.

“We train students to be competent and ethical,” Gershman said. “If I do that, I’ve done my job.”

Braced For Change, Prepared to Lead

Across every field, the next generation of leaders will face questions that don’t have easy answers. These pressures are especially felt by college students who are reckoning not just with what they want to do, but who they hope to become.

They’ll be asked to solve problems they didn’t create and navigate the ripple effects of laws and technologies shaped by earlier decisions. At Pace, expert faculty help students do more than meet these challenges—they prepare them to lead with insight and confidence. By fostering critical thinking, compassion, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility, these educators empower students to shape a future that is not only more thoughtful, but profoundly better.

Melanie Prado

Class of 2026

Currently Studying: Arts and Entertainment Management

Current Internship Position: Inclusion Outreach Intern

Company: Warner Bros. Discovery

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How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

Lubin has helped prepare me for this internship through courses within the Arts and Entertainment Management program and through real-world, concept-based projects. These experiences strengthened my ability to collaborate in teams, communicate ideas clearly, and think strategically in creative environments—skills that translate directly to the fast-paced setting of my internship.

What attracted you to this internship?

As an Arts and Entertainment Management Major, I’ve always been passionate about storytelling in the entertainment industry. During my third year, I served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Student Assistant and realized I found a space I wanted to explore further. This role blends my passion for storytelling with my drive to make an impact in the inclusion space—it was truly a no-brainer.

When I came across this opportunity at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), it felt like the perfect fit. I knew that learning from an industry leader like WBD would be invaluable.

Describe what a typical day looks like in this role.

A typical day includes coffee chats, moving around the Park Avenue South office, and participating in collaborative meetings. I often jump between team discussions, assist with event planning, and connect with departments across the company. No two days are the same—and that’s what I love most. I’m constantly learning, whether I’m observing how things operate behind the scenes or diving into hands-on projects. There are always exciting moments woven in too, like Pride Month celebrations, mixers, or internal screenings of upcoming films.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

Without a doubt—the people. I’ve learned so much from the stories, expertise, and kindness shared by those at WBD. It’s been incredibly refreshing to feel seen and supported in such a large company. Speaking with inspiring voices across the industry has made a lasting impact. The community here has been the true highlight of this experience.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

This experience has brought me incredible clarity. I’ve always wanted to work in entertainment, but now I know I want to be in spaces where purpose and people come first. I’ve seen firsthand that if you stay genuine, work hard, and remain curious, you can go far. I’d love to continue working in the inclusion space and help tell meaningful stories within it.

I’ve seen firsthand that if you stay genuine, work hard, and remain curious, you can go far. I’d love to continue working in the inclusion space and help tell meaningful stories within it.

How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned during this internship to your next semester at Lubin?

So many of the terms and concepts I hear in meetings show up in class, so I’m excited to bridge those connections. I’ll return to Lubin with a deeper understanding of behind-the-scenes operations and a clearer view of how to apply classroom learning to real-world contexts.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who are looking to pursue internships in the future?

Absolutely. Stay curious, stay resilient, and never count yourself out. Remind yourself that the opportunities that once felt out of reach are absolutely possible. Use every resource available to you, challenge yourself, and stay focused on your goals. It will be worth it—and without a doubt, you’ll grow into the role you’ve been working toward.

Connect with Melanie:

• Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn

The 2025 AI Internship Experience (AIIE) at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems recently concluded, offering students two weeks of immersive, hands-on learning in one of today’s most transformative technologies: artificial intelligence.

Run by Dr. Christelle Scharff, Seidenberg Professor, Associate Dean, and Co-Director of the Seidenberg AI Lab, in collaboration with Seidenberg faculty member Dr. Kaleema and graduate assistant Stephanie Sicilian (MS in Computer Science), this year’s program provided 18 selected students with an intensive introduction to core AI topics, including machine learning, deep learning, and multimodal generative AI.

The curriculum for the program’s second edition was influenced by Dr. Scharff’s recent attendance at industry-leading events, emphasizing cutting-edge tools and techniques in AI development. “I had a fantastic time putting the program together alongside my colleagues,” Dr. Scharff added. “The content was highly inspired by my attendance at events like Google I/O and Google Cloud Next.”

Interns worked on real-world projects that involved image classification, hyperparameter tuning, and experimental applications using Gemini, Google's suite of generative AI tools. Just like last year when student projects varied from developing AI models that could classify and generate images of different butterfly species to creating a model that could recognize different Pokémon, the 2025 AI Internship Experience projects were just as creative. One team developed a model that specialized in AI-assisted comic generation, while some of the other teams’ models ranged from dream analysis to developing tools that help users learn new languages.

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The interns also participated in many programs outside of the classroom. They attended a Google Developer Group (GDG) on Campus presentation held in the Design Factory space on Pace’s New York City Campus and they engaged with industry professionals through various networking activities. Resume and LinkedIn workshops were also built into the program, along with explorations of New York City culture to round out the experience.

The program culminated in final presentations of the students’ classification and generative AI projects. “The Gemini projects were particularly creative and varied,” said Scharff. “Congratulations to all the interns for their impressive work and I am looking forward to more opportunities to work with them all!”

With the success of the 2025 edition, the AI Internship Experience continues to grow as a great summer opportunity for Pace students eager to push the boundaries of innovation and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. As Dr. Scharff noted when the program was launched last year, “we wanted to create a safe environment where our interns can explore and experience all different paths that working with AI can offer. It is a program that is very innovative, that is for the next generation.”

It has been thirty-five years since Pace men’s soccer last competed in Pleasantville. That will change in fall 2025, when the program returns to the pitch at Northwell Stadium under the leadership of head coach Edward Evans.

In the 1990 season—the final year before the sport was removed from the athletics catalogue—Pace competed in the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC). The program will rejoin intercollegiate competition in fall 2025 as a member of the Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference.

“This upcoming season is more than just the return of men’s soccer—it’s the start of a new legacy at Pace,” said Evans. “Our student-athletes understand the weight of this moment, and they’re ready to represent the University.”

With a full eighteen-game schedule, the Blue and Gold will open the season on September 4 against Goldey-Beacom College at 3:30 p.m. For much of the season, Pace will enjoy home-field advantage at Northwell Stadium, hosting eleven of its eighteen regular-season matches. The program will also feature four promotional events during the season, including Alumni Day, Quickstrike FC Night, Blue Out, and participation in Homecoming festivities alongside Pace Goes Pink.

“We’re not just stepping back onto the field,” Evans added. “We’re building a program that honors the past while aiming for a bold future.”

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Pace men’s soccer will also field a developmental team in 2025, which will compete in a ten-game schedule, in addition to two preseason contests.

For the full schedule of Men's Soccer and updates, visit the Pace Athletics website.

Pace men’s and women’s lacrosse concluded a successful 2025 campaign, with both teams earning Northeast-10 (NE10) postseason appearances and bids to their respective NCAA tournaments.

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The men’s lacrosse program celebrated its fortieth season in 2025, finishing the milestone year with an 11–5 overall record and a 6–2 mark in conference play. The Blue and Gold were nationally ranked throughout the season, reaching as high as No. 4 for consecutive weeks, and secured the No. 3 seed in the NE10 postseason tournament. The team also set a program record for most consecutive home wins with eight, following a 19–3 victory over Franklin Pierce on March 18.

Pace defeated Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in the NE10 quarterfinal round with a 16–14 win, advancing to the semifinals. Though the Setters fell to Adelphi in the semifinal matchup, they earned a second straight appearance in the NCAA North Regional Tournament, hosted at Northwell Stadium.

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The women’s lacrosse team continued its reign as a top contender in the NE10. The Setters finished in a three-way tie for first place with New Haven and Adelphi, earning recognition as NE10 “tri-regular season champions.” Thanks to a +1 goal differential—boosted by a four-goal win over Adelphi earlier in the season—Pace secured the No. 1 seed in the postseason tournament.

The women returned to the NE10 championship game after defeating SNHU and Saint Anselm College, then entered the NCAA East Regional Tournament as the No. 2 seed.

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Collectively, both programs produced eleven All-Americans: five honored by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) and six by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA).

For full schedules and updates, visit the Pace Athletics website.

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With the 2025 fall season for Pace Athletics set to kick off on August 30 with football’s opening day, the department has announced several coaching changes and additions ahead of the new academic year. Football enters a new era under the leadership—and return—of Chad Walker, while men’s soccer welcomes its first head coach since reinstatement, and women’s soccer promotes its 2024 associate head coach.

Walker, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the football program from 2014 to 2016—during which time he recruited some of the most well-known names in Pace football history, including Jalen Bien-Aime, Jah’Sheem Martin, and Prince Unaegbu—returns to lead the team for the 2025 campaign.

“We are fired up to come back home to Pace University, a place that we hold dear to our hearts,” Walker said. “I've always believed that Pace University was one of the most underrated universities in the country and has so much to offer students—from diverse academic curriculum and career preparation to internship opportunities and the best location in the world.”

Pace football will kick off the fall season for the department with a nonconference matchup against Saint Anselm College at Northwell Stadium on August 30 at 5:00 p.m. Looking ahead to the season, Walker shared his vision: “This season is about raising our standard—not just talking about excellence but living it every day. I’m most looking forward to seeing our guys grow as athletes, teammates, and men.”

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On the soccer side of Pace Athletics, Edward Evans—who was part of the women’s coaching staff for eleven seasons—was named head coach of the men’s program in January 2025. Brittany Soto, previously associate head coach for women’s soccer, has been promoted to lead the women’s team.

Evans and Pace’s first official men’s soccer roster in thirty-five years will compete in a full eighteen-game Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference schedule. Their first contest is scheduled for September 4 at 3:30 p.m. at Northwell Stadium against Goldey-Beacom College.

“I am excited to bring back the men’s soccer program for the first time since 1990,” said Evans. “It’s an honor to be a part of it, and the support we’ve already received from the soccer community has been incredible.”

Soto joined Pace in fall 2024 as associate head coach for the women’s soccer program. As of January 2025, she has been promoted to head coach and will make her debut on September 5 at 5:00 p.m. at Northwell Stadium against Georgian Court University.

She brings with her a résumé spanning fifteen years at the club and high school levels. In 2021 and 2022, she led the Hopkins School team in Connecticut to the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) quarterfinals, and in 2015, was named Head Coach of the Year with the Knoxville Crush.

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“I am truly honored for the incredible opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program and deeply grateful to Coach Evans for his mentorship this past season,” Soto said. “With a rich history and a strong foundation laid by those before me, this program stands on a legacy of excellence. I look forward to building upon that tradition, working closely with our players, and guiding the team toward continued success.”

For full schedules and updates, visit the Pace Athletics website.

The 2025 season for Pace University softball was nothing short of historic. Under the leadership of head coach Claudia Stabile, now in her forty-fourth season, the Setters rewrote the program’s record books and reached the NCAA Division II Championship for the first time in school history.

After a solid start in late February, including early-season sweeps of Fairmont State and Shippensburg, Pace faced adversity during a tough West Coast road trip in March, dropping six straight contests. What followed, however, became the defining stretch of their season—and one of the most dominant runs in all of Division II softball this year.

Beginning with a pair of home wins over Dominican University on March 23, the Setters rattled off twenty-seven consecutive victories, a program record that stretched over five weeks. The streak featured series sweeps, walk-off wins, and shutouts, culminating in a perfect 20–0 record in Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference play. The Setters controlled games from start to finish, eventually climbing to No. 14 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) national rankings.

Pace went 31–2 at home and capped the regular season by sweeping Southern New Hampshire, Saint Anselm, and Saint Michael’s, securing the top seed in the NE10 Tournament. There, they continued their winning ways, defeating Bentley, Adelphi, and Assumption to claim the NE10 Championship.

In the NCAA East Regional, Pace dispatched D’Youville and St. Thomas Aquinas before topping Bentley again to advance to the NCAA East Super Regional. A nine-inning loss in Game 1 to Wilmington (Del.) nearly halted their momentum, but true to their mindset all spring, the Setters responded. They shut out Wilmington 8–0 in Game 2, then closed out the series with a 5–1 victory to earn their first-ever trip to the NCAA Division II Softball Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Once on the national stage, the Blue and Gold proved they belonged among the country’s best. After a narrow 3–2 loss to Central Oklahoma, the Setters bounced back with a 2–0 win over Shippensburg and a thrilling 2–1, ten-inning victory over Saginaw Valley State. They ultimately fell just one game short of the national championship series, closing the year with a 4–2 semifinal loss to Tampa.

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Statistically, the Setters were among the nation’s elite, finishing with a 48–13 overall record and a program-best national ranking of No. 4. Ace pitcher Gisselle Garcia turned in a historic season, going 30–6 with a 0.73 ERA and 400 strikeouts. Offensively, Pace was led by Riley Jenkins (.354 BA, 32 RBIs), Willa Poplawski (.344 BA, 41 RBIs), and Brianna Shea (.293 BA, 33 RBIs). As a team, they outscored opponents 257–102 while setting a multitude of program records.

The team collected a slew of accolades, including All-American, All-Region, All-Conference, and Academic All-District honors. Garcia became the program’s first NFCA First-Team All-American and set multiple school records for both single-season and career pitching statistics.

Coach Claudia Stabile led the Setters through a year that forever transformed the program. Known for her exceptional guidance and player-first philosophy, she helped elevate the team into a national contender. In recognition of her impact, she was named NE10 Head Coach of the Year for the second time in her illustrious career. The entire coaching staff was honored as the ATEC/NFCA East Region Coaching Staff of the Year, reflecting their remarkable leadership throughout the season.

The 2025 season was a milestone not only for its results but for the standard it established. A record-setting 48-win campaign, a 27-game win streak, an East Regional title, a conference championship, and a trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals cemented the Setters’ 2025 season as one of the greatest in Pace University athletics history.