Eug prefers to teach the game of softball, and when the game is done, he leaves everything on the field.
And yet, what Lenti has accomplished in 37 years at DePaul University is all about the numbers, and his legacy leaves softball fans, coaches, and former DePaul student-athletes astonished.
After 37 years in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Lenti has won 1,300 games. Since 1999, Lenti took four teams to the Women’s College World Series. Although the Blue Demons have been deemed a “Cinderella” each time they ventured to Oklahoma City, DePaul is one of only five teams since 1999 to have made four or more trips to the WCWS.
Having a remarkable 14 All-Americans have been crowned during Lenti’s tenure at DePaul. Nine of his student-athletes have been named a conference Player of the Year and another nine have earned conference Pitcher of the Year accolades. Ten DePaul players have won conference Rookie of the Year titles while still another 104 of his student-athletes have been named first team All-Conference and countless others have been named to second, third and honorable mention all-league lists.
A true believer of making academics a top priority, Lenti ensures that athletes should aim to be students first and softball players second. Under Lenti’s direction 20 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Americans. His 2007 team had the 29th best GPA in the country and was the only team in the top-30 to go to the WCWS.
Lenti is a master of teaching his players not only the game of softball, but also the “game of life.” He challenges his players to become better people while under his tutelage. He educates them about responsibility and accountability; qualities he demands both on the field and in the classroom. He stresses critical thinking and appropriate behavior and wants each of the athletes he works with to become exceptional human beings as well extraordinary softball players.
After finishing his career at DePaul, he couldn’t just hang it all up, which is what afforded TTSM the opportunity to have Eugene join forces with Tommy Tarulli and one of his former players, Jackie Spina. Having him on board is going to give our clients something that most other student-athletes don’t have at their fingertips; experience. Eug is able to reach in ways most coaches cannot and we are so excited to have him on board!
Although Lenti and his wife Kandace reside on Chicago’s North Side, that won’t hinder him from helping our clients across the country! He will be visible in all facets of the company and will bring only positivity and growth to our clients and teams!