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College sports

Millikin University Softball Coaches Departure Marks Significant Transition for Program

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Millikin softball team will undergo a coaching search after co-head coaches Katie Tenboer and Whitney Sowers each accepted job opportunities in athletics administration. Tenboer, who served as head coach for 10 years, and Sowers, who was promoted to co-head coaching role in 2018, have led the team to numerous achievements, including three CCIW regular season titles and two CCIW tournament titles. The duo's tenure was marked by the team's 2022 NCAA Division III Championship appearance and a 37-9 record, setting the program's record for most victories in a season. As they depart, Tenboer will remain on staff as an Associate Athletic Director, while Sowers assumes the Athletic Director role at Marshalltown Community College.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Millikin softball team will undergo a coaching search after co-head coaches Katie Tenboer and Whitney Sowers accepted job opportunities in athletics administration.
  • Tenboer served as head coach for 10 years, achieving a record of 50-32 in her first two seasons with Sowers as her assistant, and winning the CCIW regular season title in 2017.
  • Sowers was promoted to co-head coaching role in 2018, and together the co-head coaches posted a record of 205-94 across eight seasons, winning three CCIW regular season titles and two CCIW tournament titles.
  • The Big Blue advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times under their direction, including the team's run to the NCAA Division III Championships in Salem, Va. in 2022.
  • During their tenure, the team received 39 all-conference honors, eight National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region selections, and nods to two NFCA All-Americans, Kendallyn Davison and Addison Sargent.
  • Tenboer and Sowers were named the NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year for Region VIII in 2022.
  • Tenboer will remain on the Millikin staff as an Associate Athletic Director, while Sowers assumes the Athletic Director role at Marshalltown Community College.

Statistics:

  • 10 years of leadership by Katie Tenboer as head coach
  • 50-32 record in Tenboer's first two seasons with Sowers as her assistant
  • 205-94 record across eight seasons by the co-head coaches
  • Three CCIW regular season titles and two CCIW tournament titles won by the team
  • 37-9 record set by the team in the 2022 NCAA Division III Championship season
  • 39 all-conference honors received by the team during the co-head coaches' tenure
  • Eight National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region selections
  • Two NFCA All-Americans, Kendallyn Davison and Addison Sargent
  • 2027 NCAA Division III National Championships to be hosted by Millikin University

Sources:

  • Millikin University Athletics press release, no date mentioned.

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