After five seasons and a pair of PIAA District 11 Class 3A titles, Palisades softball coach Jill Amato is stepping down.

"Coach Amato took over the program in the winter prior to the 2019 season and the Pirates have taken significant strides under her leadership," Palisades athletic director Brian Gilbert said.

"Over the course of her tenure, she compiled a record of 47-40 with two District 11 3A titles and a (PIAA) state semifinal appearance last spring."

Palisades' big run in 2023

The Pirates won district championships in back-to-back seasons, 2022 and 2023, with last year's team having the best season in school history, reaching the PIAA semifinals for the first time.

That team went 25-3 (the most wins in school history) and came one step away from playing for the PIAA title. An 8-1 loss to Mid Valley ended the Pirates' run.

Amato, who was named the Courier Times/Intelligencer Softball Coach of the Year last season, had just one senior, daughter Ashley, on her roster.

Palisades' Amato named coach of year: Our softball coach of the year guided a young team to the PIAA semifinals

Junior ace pitcher Karlye Teman, who already has 535 career strikeouts, returns for the Pirates this spring.

"We are thankful for her (Jill's) dedication and numerous contributions which have left the program in excellent shape," Gilbert said.

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Drew Markol: dmarkol@theintell.com; @dmarkol

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: After five seasons, Amato stepping down as Palisades softball coach