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Michigan Wolverines softball
2023 Michigan Wolverines softball team
Founded1978
UniversityUniversity of Michigan
All-time Record1,873–671–5 (.736)
Head coachBonnie Tholl (2nd season)
ConferenceBig Ten
LocationAnn Arbor, MI
Home stadiumCarol Hutchins Stadium (Capacity: 2,800[1])
NicknameWolverines
ColorsMaize and blue[2]
   
NCAA Tournament champions
2005
NCAA WCWS runner-up
2015
NCAA WCWS appearances
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016
AIAW WCWS appearances
1982[3]
NCAA Super Regional appearances
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament appearances
1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024
Conference Tournament championships
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2015, 2019, 2024
Regular Season Conference championships
1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

The Michigan Wolverines softball team represents the University of Michigan in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I competition. College softball became a varsity sport at the University of Michigan in 1978. Bonnie Tholl has been the head coach since 2023, following the retirement of longtime head coach Carol Hutchins. In 2005, Hutchins' team became the first Division I softball team since 1976 from east of the Mississippi River to win the Women's College World Series.

History

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Soluk years

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Gloria Soluk was the first head coach of the Michigan Wolverines softball team. When she was hired by Michigan in 1977, it was as Michigan's women's basketball coach, and there was no softball team. She later recalled, "I was asked to serve as the head coach for the first few seasons in order to get things off the ground."[4] In her three seasons as head coach from 1978 to 1980, the Wolverines compiled a record of 50 wins and 25 losses for a .667 winning percentage.

De Carolis years

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Bob De Carolis was the Wolverines second head coach, holding that position from 1980 to 1984. In his four seasons as head coach, the Wolverines compiled a record of 114 wins and 81 losses for a .585 winning percentage. In 1982, De Carolis led Michigan to a first-place finish in the AIAW Regional Championships and a third-place finish in the AIAW Women's College World Series.[3] De Carolis remained on Michigan's athletic department staff until 1998 when he accepted a post with Oregon State University. He has been Oregon State's athletic director since 2002.

Hutchins era

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Carol Hutchins became the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines softball team in 1985. When she took over as head coach, Hutchins reportedly "had a tiny salary, an only slightly larger budget, and had to take care of her own field, throwing down lime and riding the lawn tractor."[5] Since Hutchins became Michigan's coach, the team has never had a losing season.[6] Hutchins' teams have also won 19 Big Ten Conference regular-season titles and 18 NCAA regional championships. She has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year on eighteen occasions and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Coach of the Year twice.[7][8]

She led the Michigan softball team to its first NCAA Women's College World Series championship in 2005.[7][9] The decisive game was won in dramatic fashion, with a Samantha Findlay home run in the top of the 10th inning, producing a 4–1 final. The 2005 Michigan Wolverines softball team was the first team from East of the Mississippi River to win the NCAA Women's College World Series.[9][10][11] (Hutchins played shortstop for Michigan State when they won the AIAW WCWS national championship in 1976.) The Ann Arbor News described the team's accomplishment this way:

"What happened during the past five months might be the most unlikely accomplishment in the history of a storied athletics program, analogous to setting out to win an NCAA hockey title at the University of New Mexico. Then doing it. Now, before you dismiss that as hyperbole, consider a few factors. Like the fact that, because of cold weather, the Wolverines played their first 33 games on the road, roughly half the season. Try doing that in football or basketball. Then there's recruiting. Softball is still a sport dominated by West Coast talent. ... There's a reason no team East of the Mississippi had won an NCAA softball title until now."[9]

After Michigan defeated No. 1 ranked Arizona in March 2005, Hutchins told a reporter, "Yes, there is softball east of the Rockies."[12] The performance of the 2005 team also set Michigan records in several categories:

  • The team's 65 victories was the most in school history;[6]
  • The team recorded 32 consecutive victories between February 13, 2005, and March 30, 2005;[6]
  • The team's 103 home runs tied for the second most in NCAA history.[6]

After winning the World Series, Hutchins and her team visited the White House in July 2005, where they met with President George W. Bush, something Hutchins called "a once-in-a-lifetime experience."[11]

The 2013 team (in blue) in action against Northwestern

In 2006, Hutchins was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame.[13]

In March 2000, Hutchins recorded her 638th win, giving her more career wins than any other coach in University of Michigan history in any sport, male or female.[6] In 2007, she became the seventh coach in NCAA softball history, and the first in any sport at the University of Michigan, to reach 1,000 career wins.[5][6] After winning her 1,000th game, Hutchins told a reporter that her greatest pride did not come from the 1,000 wins, but from her ability to influence how her players look at life, "to get them to work together and to meet standards, to show them they can lead as women."[5] When she was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame, her players presented her with a scrapbook with a note from one saying, "I came here a girl with potential and left here a woman with no limits." Hutchins noted that those 15 words matter more than the 1,000 wins.[5]

In 2009, the Wolverines advanced to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. They won the first game against Alabama by a score of 6–1. In their second game, they lost a close game to Florida by a score of 1–0. They were eliminated in a 7–5 loss to Georgia on May 30, 2009.[14]

In 2015, behind the hitting of Sierra Romero and the pitching of Megan Betsa and Haylie Wagner, Michigan won its ninth Big Ten tournament and its eighth consecutive Big Ten regular season championship, and were the 2015 Women's College World Series runner-up.[15]

On October 4, 2017, Hutchins signed a five-year contract extension with the Wolverines.[16]

On August 24, 2022, Hutchins announced her retirement after 38 years as head coach at Michigan. At the time of her retirement, she was the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, compiling a record of 1,684–540–5 at Michigan.[17]

Tholl era

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Following the retirement of long-time head coach Hutchins, Bonnie Tholl was named the head coach on August 24, 2022.[18]

Coaching history

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Main article: List of Michigan Wolverines head softball coaches
Years Coach Record %
1975–1976 Gloria Soluk 49–25 .662
1977 Bob De Carolis 114–81 .585
1985–2022 Carol Hutchins 1,684–540–5 .757
2023–present Bonnie Tholl 69–43 .616

Championships

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NCAA Women's College World Series National Championships

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Season Record Head Coach
2005 65–7 Carol Hutchins

Conference Championships

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Season Conference Record Head Coach
1992 Big Ten Conference 22–6 Carol Hutchins
1993 Big Ten Conference 21–5 Carol Hutchins
1995 Big Ten Conference 22–6 Carol Hutchins
1996 Big Ten Conference 20–4 Carol Hutchins
1998 Big Ten Conference 22–1 Carol Hutchins
1999 Big Ten Conference 21–3 Carol Hutchins
2001 Big Ten Conference 17–3 Carol Hutchins
2002 Big Ten Conference 15–3 Carol Hutchins
2004 Big Ten Conference 17–3 Carol Hutchins
2005 Big Ten Conference 15–2 Carol Hutchins
2008 Big Ten Conference 18–2 Carol Hutchins
2009 Big Ten Conference 17–3 Carol Hutchins
2010 Big Ten Conference 18–1 Carol Hutchins
2011 Big Ten Conference 18–2 Carol Hutchins
2012 Big Ten Conference 18–5 Carol Hutchins
2013 Big Ten Conference 20–2 Carol Hutchins
2014 Big Ten Conference 18–5 Carol Hutchins
2015 Big Ten Conference 21–2 Carol Hutchins
2016 Big Ten Conference 21–2 Carol Hutchins
2018 Big Ten Conference 18–3 Carol Hutchins
2019 Big Ten Conference 22–1 Carol Hutchins
2021 Big Ten Conference 36–6 Carol Hutchins

Conference Tournament Championships

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Season Conference Tournament Location Head Coach
1995 Big Ten Conference Ann Arbor, MI Carol Hutchins
1996 Big Ten Conference Ann Arbor, MI Carol Hutchins
1997 Big Ten Conference Iowa City, IA Carol Hutchins
1998 Big Ten Conference Ann Arbor, MI Carol Hutchins
2000 Big Ten Conference Iowa City, IA Carol Hutchins
2002 Big Ten Conference Ann Arbor, MI Carol Hutchins
2005 Big Ten Conference Ann Arbor, MI Carol Hutchins
2006 Big Ten Conference Evanston, IL Carol Hutchins
2015 Big Ten Conference Columbus, OH Carol Hutchins
2019 Big Ten Conference Bloomington, IN Carol Hutchins
2024 Big Ten Conference Iowa City, IA Bonnie Tholl

Coaching staff

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Name Position coached Consecutive season at
Michigan in current position
Bonnie Tholl Head coach 1st
Jennifer Brundage Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach 24th
Amanda Chidester Assistant Coach 1st
Faith Canfield Volunteer Coach 2nd
Amber Garrett Director of Operations 1st
Jeremy Kelch Video Coordinator 1st
Reference:[19]

Year-by-year results

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Main article: List of Michigan Wolverines softball seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Wolverines.

Year Coach Record Notes
2020 Carol Hutchins 15–8 Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Carol Hutchins 38–8 NCAA Regional
2022 Carol Hutchins 38–18 NCAA Regional
2023 Bonnie Tholl 26–25
2024 Bonnie Tholl 43–18 Big Ten Tournament Champions
NCAA Regional

Notable players

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National Awards

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NFCA National Player of the Year
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year
espnW National Player of the Year
Honda Sports Award

Conference Awards

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Big Ten Player of the Year
Big Ten Pitcher of the Year
Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • Carol Hutchins, 1985
  • Carol Hutchins, 1992
  • Carol Hutchins, 1993
  • Carol Hutchins, 1996
  • Carol Hutchins, 1998
  • Carol Hutchins, 1999
  • Carol Hutchins, 2001
  • Carol Hutchins, 2004
  • Carol Hutchins, 2005
  • Carol Hutchins, 2008
  • Carol Hutchins, 2009
  • Carol Hutchins, 2011
  • Carol Hutchins, 2012
  • Carol Hutchins, 2013
  • Carol Hutchins, 2015
  • Carol Hutchins, 2016
  • Carol Hutchins, 2018
  • Carol Hutchins, 2021

All-Americans

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Alumni Field, the home of the Michigan Wolverines softball team

Michigan has had 41 players selected as NFCA All-Americans, combining for 69 total honors.[20]

  • 2021: Alex Storako, at-large pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2018: Meghan Beaubien, at-large pitcher (1st team)
  • 2018: Faith Canfield, at-large 2nd base (3rd team)
  • 2017: Megan Betsa, pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2017: Kelly Christner, outfielder (2nd team)
  • 2017: Faith Canfield, 2nd base (3rd team)
  • 2016: Sierra Lawrence, outfielder (1st team)
  • 2016: Tera Blanco, 1st base (1st team)
  • 2016: Sierra Romero, 2nd base (1st team)
  • 2016: Megan Betsa, pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2015: Kelly Christner, outfielder (1st team)
  • 2015: Sierra Romero, at-large 2nd base (1st team)
  • 2014: Sierra Romero, shortstop (1st team)
  • 2014: Haylie Wagner, at-large pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2013: Sierra Romero, shortstop (2nd team)
  • 2013: Ashley Lane, 2nd base (3rd team)
  • 2011: Amanda Chidester, 3rd base (1st team)
  • 2011: Jordan Taylor, at-large pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2011: Ashley Lane, 2nd base (2nd team)
  • 2011: Bree Evans, outfielder (3rd team)
  • 2009: Nikki Nemitz, at-large pitcher (1st team)
  • 2009: Amanda Chidester, utility non-pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2008: Samantha Findlay, second base (1st team)
  • 2008: Jordan Taylor, pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2008: Alessandra Giampaolo, outfielder (2nd team)
  • 2008: Nikki Nemitz, pitcher (3rd team)
  • 2006: Jennie Ritter, pitcher (1st team)
  • 2006: Becky Marx, catcher (3rd team)
  • 2005: Jennie Ritter, pitcher (1st team)
  • 2005: Jessica Merchant, shortstop (2nd team)
  • 2005: Tiffany Haas, 2nd base (1st team)
  • 2005: Nicole Motycka, designated player (3rd team)
  • 2004: Jessica Merchant, shortstop (2nd team)
  • 2004: Nicole Motycka, pitcher (2nd team)
  • 2004: Tiffany Haas, 2nd base (3rd team)
  • 2003: Marissa Young, utility (2nd team)
  • 2002: Stephanie Volpe, 3rd base (1st team)
  • 2002: Marissa Young, pitcher (3rd team)
  • 2001: Kelsey Kollen, 2nd base (1st team)
  • 2001: Melissa Taylor, outfield (2nd team)
  • 2000: Marissa Young, utility (3rd team)
  • 2000: Stephanie Volpe, designated player (3rd team)
  • 1999: Catherine Davie, outfield (2nd team)
  • 1999: Kelsey Kollen, 2nd base (2nd team)
  • 1999: Traci Conrad, 1st base (3rd team)
  • 1998: Traci Conrad, 1st base (1st team)
  • 1998: Sara Griffin, utility (1st team)
  • 1998: Melissa Gentile, catcher (2nd team)
  • 1998: Kellyn Tate, outfield (2nd team)
  • 1997: Traci Conrad, at-large (1st team)
  • 1997: Kelly Holmes, at-large (2nd team)
  • 1996: Sara Griffin, utility (1st team)
  • 1996: Kellyn Tate, outfield (3rd team)
  • 1995: Kelly Kovach, pitcher (1st team)
  • 1995: Sara Griffin, utility (1st team)
  • 1993: Patti Benedict, outfield (1st team)
  • 1992: Patti Benedict, outfield (3rd team)
  • 1989: Jenny Allard, utility (1st team)
  • 1987: Alicia Seegert, catcher (2nd team)
  • 1987: Vicki Morrow, designated player/utility (2nd team)
  • 1986: Alicia Seegert, catcher (1st team)

Athletic Hall of Honor

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex: Alumni Field MGoBlue.com: University of Michigan Official Athletic Site.
  2. ^ "University of Michigan Style Guide: Colors". July 7, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Plummer, William; Floyd, Larry C. (2013). A Series Of Their Own: History Of The Women's College World Series. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States: Turnkey Communications Inc. ISBN 978-0-9893007-0-4.
  4. ^ John Kerr (October 29, 1980). "Softball coach named". The Michigan Daily.
  5. ^ a b c d "A milestone at U-M, a rock for her players: Coach Hutchins sets first-rate standard". Ann Arbor News. 2007-05-03.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Carol Hutchins, Head Coach: 25th Season". MGoBlue.com. Archived from the original on 2007-05-04.
  7. ^ a b "Protect The Block 'M': Long-time Michigan Coach Carol Hutchins changed the face of softball in the Big Ten and across the nation with her Wolverine philosophies". Big Ten Conference. 2007-04-03. Archived from the original on 2009-02-06. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  8. ^ Paul, Tony (May 9, 2018). "UM's Carol Hutchins is Big Ten coach of year for 17th time in 34 seasons". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c "It can't get much better for Hutchins". Ann Arbor News. 2005-06-12.
  10. ^ Joanne C. Gerstner (2006-02-16). "Softball players bemoan sport's Olympics demise". The Detroit News.
  11. ^ a b Kevin Wright (2005-09-05). "National Championship marks softball first". The Michigan Daily.
  12. ^ Lou Ponsi (2005-03-21). "Softball: Michigan beats No. 1 Arizona to win Klassic; The fourth-ranked Wolverines win the final of the Fullerton tournament, 6-2". The Orange County Register.
  13. ^ "Hall of Fame: Carol Hutchins". National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19.
  14. ^ "2009 Michigan Softball Schedule". Michigan Softball Archive. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
  15. ^ Mark Snyder (May 11, 2015). "U-M softball steamrolls Big Ten, seeks national title". Detroit Free Press.
  16. ^ Howard, Leah (October 4, 2017). "Hutchins Agrees to Five-Year Contract Extension". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  17. ^ Howard, Leah (August 24, 2022). "Hutchins Announces Retirement After 38 Seasons at Helm of U-M Softball". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  18. ^ Howard, Leah (August 24, 2022). "Tholl Named Head Coach of Michigan Softball". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  19. ^ "Michigan Softball Coaches". MGoBlue.com. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  20. ^ "University of Michigan Softball". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
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