Longtime Coach Sauceman Retires

After 27 years as head coach at Walters State Community College, Larry Sauceman is calling it a career. Sauceman coached the Lady Senators to a 1,085-382 record during his tenure. He coached 14 All-Americans and led the program to five NJCAA World Series appearances.

Conway Named New WPU Coach

Lauren Conway has been named the new head coach at William Peace University. Conway, a program alum, has been on staff as an assistant coach the last two seasons. She takes over for longtime Coach Charlie Dobbins who retired after leading the program for 25 years.

Wheeler Moves On From Brown

Kate Wheeler has stepped down as head coach at Brown. Wheeler led the Bears for six seasons compiling a 61-112 record while going 31-53 in Ivy League play.

Longtime Babson Coach Retires

After 25 seasons leading Babson College, Dave Canan has announced his retirement. Canan tallied an overall record of 605-385-1 leading the Beavers. He guided the program to four NEWMAC Championships, six NCAA Regional appearances, and one Super Regional.

Gumpf Retires As Irish Coach

Notre Dame Head Coach Deanna Gumpf is retiring. Gumpf led the Fighting Irish amassing an 882-390 record. She won 11 conference championships and appeared in the NCAA Postseason 21 times. Gumpf coached 24 All-Americans, eight conference players of the year, four conference pitchers of the year and one defensive player of the year while in South Bend.

Hayward In At Nevada

As RTS first reported yesterday, Victoria Hayward has now officially been hired as the new head coach at Nevada. Hayward spent the 2024 season as an assistant coach at her alma mater Washington helping the Huskies to their 30th consecutive NCAA Postseason appearance. The former Canadian National Team member has also had coaching stops at LSU, UMass, Maryland, UCF, and San Diego State.

Nevada Does Not Retain Demore

Nevada announced that Marina Demore will not return at head coach. Demore led the Wolfpack as interim head coach this season and had an impressive record of 40-17 while finishing third in the Mountain West Conference. She worked as an assistant coach in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Sources have informed RTS that Washington Assistant Coach Victoria Hayward could be a top target for the now open position at Nevada.

Jones New Skipper At Appalachian State

In a surprisingly fast search by softball standards, Appalachian State has named Whitney Jones their new head coach.

Jones spent the past two seasons as associate head coach at Ohio State. Prior to her time in Columbus, she worked on staff at UCF where she helped the Knights to 49-14 record in 2022 and a No. 16 national seed in the NCAA Tournament and first-ever Super Regional appearance. Jones started her coaching career at her alma mater Washington as a volunteer assistant coach.

Jones replaces Shelly Hoerner who was released less than two weeks ago after seven seasons leading the Mountaineers.

Gerckens Out At UC San Diego After 30+ Years

UC San Diego has announced longtime head coach Patti Gerckens will not be retained. Gerckens led the Tritons for 32 years compiling an 858-726 record. She led the program through transitions from Division III, to Division II, and finally Division I in 2021. Gerckens coached UCSD to the DII National Title in 2011.

Concordia University Ann Arbor Secures Third National Title

Concordia University Ann Arbor won the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship this week defeating Southwestern Christian University 3-1. The back-to-back titles is the second time the Cardinals have repeated as NCCAA National Champions, doing so also in 1998 and 1999.