Piper Ritter Named Minnesota Head Coach

Piper Ritter is the new head softball coach at the University of Minnesota, it was announced on Sunday.

Ritter, who had previously been an assistant with the program since 2008, also pitched at Minnesota as an undergraduate and earned All-Big Ten honors in each of her four collegiate seasons.

"I am excited for the future of our softball program," Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle said in a statement. "Piper has been part of our team for nearly two decades, and she is the right person for the job. She was one of the best players ever to wear the Maroon and Gold and consistently developed All-American talent as an assistant coach. Her dedication to Minnesota, meticulous work ethic and attention to detail will serve her well as she makes the transition to head coach."

Ritter replaces Jamie Trachsel, who announced her departure from the program for the head coaching position at Ole Miss last month.

"The University of Minnesota has given me so much and helped shape the person I am today," Ritter said in a statement. "I am thankful to Mark Coyle and the search committee for this opportunity and am excited for the future of the program. I am honored to be a Gopher, and I look forward to continue working with our amazing Minnesota student-athletes."

Under Ritter's guidance, Minnesota's pitchers have shined. In her coaching tenure with the program, Ritter has helped Gopher aces earn five All-America honors and three Big Ten Pitcher of the Year awards. She also helped lead Minnesota to the program's first appearance at the Women's College World Series in 2019.

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