Newman University officials have named Andrea Gustafson head softball head coach effective Aug. 13, 2019.
Gustafson brings 15 years of college head coaching experience and nearly 600 career victories to the Jets program. She led the Seward County Community College program to four NJCAA Region VI tournament championships and two trips to the national junior college world series.
Newman Director of Athletics Joanna Pryor believes Gustafson provides many positives for the Jets program. “We are excited to have Andrea join our athletic department team at Newman. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and passion for the game that will have an immediate impact on our softball program,” Pryor said.
During her collegiate playing career, Gustafson was a two-time Pac-10 All-Conference second baseman at the University of Oregon, helping lead the Ducks to three NCAA appearances.
“I love the sport of softball,” Gustafson said. “My passion for softball is very strong. Over the years, I have loved watching kids develop and mature athletically and personally and I’m really looking forward to that here, too.”
She believes Newman will be an attractive destination for recruits. “I have a lot of connections at the high school and junior college levels. I look forward to recruiting them to Newman. I think we have a beautiful campus and I think being in Wichita can help bring talented kids to our program,” Gustafson said.
Newman’s move this year to the MIAA will also help. “I definitely think that being a part of the MIAA can help bring talented players to Newman University,” she added.
Excited for the opportunity, Gustafson said she is ready to make the jump from junior college to NCAA Division II and believes Newman is a great fit.
“During the interview process, I liked the closeness that the athletic department has. It’s a close-knit community,” Gustafson said. “I like the people. They were very friendly.”
Last season, Gustafson served as an assistant coach for Garden City Community College. She replaces Janice Fiene, who completed her fourth year as the Jets head coach in May.
Gustafson is a native of Corvallis, Oregon and has a son, Jaden.
