Softball Saint Mary's University Sports Information Department

Region IX Softball Coaching Staff of the Year awarded to Saint Mary's

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ten NCAA Division III programs were selected by their peers as the 2025 ATEC/NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, the Association announced on Wednesday.

The season may be over, but the accolades keep coming! After earning the program's second College World Series appearance, the Saint Mary's softball coaching staff has been honored as the National Fastpitch Coaching Association Region IX Coaching Staff of the Year for the first time.

Under the leadership of MIAC Coach of the Year John Tschida, the dominant coaching staff features assistant coaches Erica Wilson, Mitchell Grossell, Bob Loshek, and Emilee Buringa that helped the Cardinals enjoy one of their most successful seasons in the past 25 years. 

The team set a program record with 44 wins and completed a flawless 22-0 run in conference play. 

It's no surprise this coaching staff received national recognition. 

They guided a young roster to a College World Series appearance while leading the conference across every major statistical category. The Cardinals topped the MIAC in batting average (.355), pitching ERA (2.14), and fielding percentage (.977).

They also played a key role in developing standout talent, including All-American Makayla Steffes. The team boasted 12 All-Conference selections, highlighted by Steffes becoming the program's first-ever Pitcher of the Year, along with four players earning NFCA All-Region honors.

This exceptional staff also played a major role in organizing and hosting the program's first-ever NCAA Regional and Super Regional tournaments.

It's safe to say this was one of the most memorable seasons in program history—made possible by a coaching staff that believed in their team from the start, and a group of players who stepped up and proved just how far that belief could take them.