GALLOWAY, NJ – Stockton University Athletics Facilities and Special Events Coordinator Val Julien retired this week after more than 40 years of affiliation with Stockton Athletics, most of which was spent as a softball coach for the Ospreys.
 
Julien became Stockton's head softball coach in 1987 following three years (1984-86) as an assistant coach on Dot Hirschfeld's staff. She led the softball program for 29 seasons (1987-2015) and posted a career record of 539-511-2 in 1,052 games at the helm.
 
Julien led the Ospreys to three ECAC championships (2008, 13, 14) and 12 20-win seasons, topped by a school-record 33 victories in 2013. The 2010 season also was a highlight, with Stockton winning 28 games and finishing as the NJAC Tournament runner-up after coming within one victory of a conference title.
 
In the days of the NJAC's two-division format for softball, the Ospreys dominated the NJAC Blue Division. Stockton won the division with an 8-0 record for three straight years and shared the title in 2000. Julien was named NJAC Blue Division Coach of the Year three times (1996, 97, 99).
 
The NJAC moved all teams to one division for softball in 2001 and Stockton held its own in one of the toughest leagues in the country as Julien went toe-to-toe with a legendary collection of coaches, four of whom won over 700 games (Kim Wilson, Rowan; Anita Kubicka, Montclair State; Hallie Cohen, William Paterson; Sally Miller, TCNJ).
 
Julien's position as head softball coach overlapped with duties in game operations and facilities for several years. Following the 2015 campaign, Julien transitioned from the field into an administrative role within Stockton Athletics.
 
Over the last 11 years, Julien's primary responsibilities included managing the fitness center and assisting with Sports Center operations as well as coordinating appearances by the Osprey macot, Talon.
 
In addition to her coaching and administrative duties, Julien spearheaded Stockton's volunteer efforts for the ShopRite LPGA Classic at nearby Seaview Golf Club for many years. She and her softball team regularly were at the forefront of beverage distribution and assisted with concessions at the annual tournament before she later switched to other volunteer areas.
 
All told, Julien's 42 years at Stockton are the most of any employee in the history of Stockton Athletics, which dates back to 1972.