Gonzales makes her way to Penn via fellow Big 5 school Saint Joseph’s, where she spent her last seven years, first as a standout student-athlete, then as a coach. Most recently, from 2010-12, Gonzales served as an assistant coach with the Hawks. She helped coach the Hawks to two consecutive Atlantic 10 Tournament berths, an A-10 title game appearance, and its first 30-win season since 2002.

"We are very excited to have Dani on board,” said head coach Leslie King, who is entering her 10th season as head coach. “We are looking forward to using her experience as a successful Division I pitcher, hitter and coach to help our athletes continue to develop. We have a very experienced team and, with the addition of Dani to our staff, I feel like we are in a great place to challenge for an Ivy League Championship."

Prior to coaching, Gonzales was a member of the Saint Joseph’s softball program from 2005-09 where she was a mainstay in the circle. In addition to being captain of the team her senior season, she was a two-time A-10 All-Conference performer (2008, 2009), she was named as the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2007, named to the A-10 All-Tournament Team in 2009 and was a three-time A-10 Athlete of the Week honoree.

"I am looking forward to being a part of such a prestigious school that has astounding academic and athletic standards," Gonzales said. "I can't wait to work hard and making a difference with the team and see how far we can go."

Gonzales graduated from Saint Joseph’s in 2009 with a degree in sports and entertainment marketing, then again in 2012 with a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and marketing. Gonzales hails from Collingdale, Pa.