Courtney Orr, previously Courtney Iacobacci, is an accomplished and results-driven softball coach from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a deep understanding of what it takes to develop student-athletes into successful, well-rounded individuals both on and off the field. As the inaugural head coach of the Johnson & Wales University Charlotte softball program, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive playing and coaching experience at both the amateur and collegiate levels.
A standout player at Fairmont State University, Courtney was a four-year starter and earned numerous accolades, including Division II First Team All-American honors and MEC Player of the Year in 2016. With a career batting average of .422 and a single-season home run record of 19, she holds six other single-season offensive records for the Falcons. Her on-field excellence earned her recognition as a top performer, and she was a top 3 finalist for NFCA Player of the Year. This playing experience gives her invaluable insight into what it takes to excel at the collegiate level, as well as the ability to teach and mentor players to reach their full potential.
Courtney's coaching career has been marked by significant achievements in player development, team performance, and program building. At Chatham University, where she served as head coach, she made an immediate impact by aiding in significantly lowering the team’s ERA by 2.25 runs per game in just one season, set a school record for strikeouts and achieving the best ERA in 12 years. Her and her assistant pitching coach used an analytical approach to pitching, incorporating the latest technology such as Rapsodo to track spin rates and control, elevating her pitchers' performance to new heights. Under their guidance, pitcher Victoria Mullen earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors, and shortstop Irene Martin received First Team All-Conference recognition.
In addition to her success on the field, Courtney is highly skilled in recruiting and talent identification. At Chatham, she led the largest recruiting class in school history, bringing in top-tier talent that greatly enhanced the program’s competitiveness. Her ability to scout and recruit players who align with her vision for the program has been a critical factor in the success of her teams. Her recruiting efforts have also been demonstrated through her time as an assistant coach at Hocking College, where she helped establish the inaugural softball program. As part of the team’s development, Courtney handled all aspects of recruiting and communication with prospective student-athletes, contributing to the program's first-ever winning season with a 15-14 record. She also started her collegiate coaching career with Division II Fairmont State, serving as the Assistant Softball Coach for 4 seasons.
Courtney’s coaching philosophy revolves around creating an environment that fosters growth, discipline, and accountability. Her background in exercise science and sports performance is a cornerstone of her approach to coaching. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Fairmont State University and has completed certifications in Corrective Exercise and Performance Enhancement through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Courtney’s knowledge of strength and conditioning allows her to build comprehensive training programs that enhance athletes' physical performance, ensuring they are strong, resilient, and prepared for the demands of collegiate athletics. She is also actively pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification to further deepen her expertise.
Beyond the field, Courtney is known for her ability to foster a positive and inclusive team culture that emphasizes the holistic development of student-athletes. She believes in helping athletes succeed academically, athletically, and personally, and her leadership style encourages a balance between competitiveness and support. This focus on total athlete development has led to strong academic performance from her teams, as well as improved overall team records. In addition to coaching collegiately she also furthered her sports training career at Redline Athletics Sports Performance Facility. Courtney worked as the Director of Sports Performance, overseeing programming for athletes of all ages (8-21) and sports. She led softball-specific training classes, executed large training events, and implemented speed and strength programs tailored to the needs of athletes. This experience allowed her to further hone her skills in sports performance, 1 on 1 athletic development, and client communication, which she now applies to her coaching.
As the first head coach of JWU Charlotte’s softball program, Courtney is committed to building a strong foundation and creating a successful, competitive team. She is excited about the opportunity to be part of a growing athletics program and to help shape the future of softball at the university. Courtney's passion for coaching, her deep commitment to athlete development, and her proven success in building competitive programs make her a perfect fit to lead the JWU Charlotte softball team toward excellence.
Throughout her career, Courtney has had a lasting impact on players while having a hand in developing them during their journey to the collegiate level like:
Ava Kresak- DII Wheeling University
Cammie Dye- DI Marshall University, Bellarmine University
Brooke Aberle- DI Kent State University
Lauren Tompkins- DI Eastern Michigan University
Liz Hamilton- DI Central Connecticut State
Olivia Ankrom- Shaw University
Ava Bruns- DIII Otterbein University, Ohio Wesleyan University
Jocelyn Franz- DIII Wilmington College
Tyler Mosholder- DIII Capital University
Sammy West- DIII Earlham College
Jaden Hamilton- DIII Johnson and Wales University- Charlotte
Reese Decamp- NAIA University of Rio Grande
With her combination of coaching expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to player success, Courtney Orr is well-equipped to elevate the JWU Charlotte softball program into a powerhouse, all while cultivating a supportive and competitive environment for her athletes to thrive."
