Head Coach Jen Mueller

Jen Mueller is in her third season as head coach of the Ripon softball program, after helping the Red Hawks to a Midwest Conference Championship and NCAA Regional appearance in her only season as an assistant coach in 2008.

In her first season as Ripon's head coach in 2009, Mueller led the Red Hawks to their best conference record in school history (12-1) and a first place finish in the MWC. That led to Ripon hosting the MWC Tournament for the first time in school history. Ripon finished the season 20-14 overall.

Mueller is no stranger to the Red Hawk softball program. A 2007 graduate of Ripon College, Mueller ranks second in school history for career strikeouts with 226. She also ranks second in the Ripon record book for innings pitched (447.2), victories (40), earned run average (1.78), and complete games (50). The Oconto Falls native was named MWC North Pitcher of the Year in 2006 and 2007, while also earning All-Conference First Team honors in each of those seasons. She was named to the All-Conference Second Team in 2005.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to appoint Jen as our head softball coach. She has done a great job for us in being our assistant coach and she has shown her teaching ability as an adjunct instructor in the Exercise Science Department," Athletic Director Bob Gillespie said. "Jen knows our program and the Midwest Conference and she has the respect of the players because of her great work ethic. I am confident that Jen will continue to build a strong program."

Assistant Coach Ryan Konitzer

Ryan Konitzer is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Red Hawks.

Originally from Oconto Falls, Wis., Konitzer attended Oconto Falls High School, where he lettered in baseball, football and basketball.

Konitzer has five years experience coaching summer baseball and has helped coach two softball teams to state championships.

Assistant Coach Dennis Lauer

Dennis Lauer brings 30 years of coaching experience to Ripon, the last 10 of which have been spent with the Red Hawks.

Originally from Kaukauna, Wis., Lauer participated in baseball and wrestling for Kaukuana High School, while also playing Legion baseball during the summers.

Lauer graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1988, where he received a degree in Liberal Studies.

Lauer is currently employed as a project manager at Boldt in Appleton, Wis. He and his wife Nancy currently reside in Appleton. They have three daughters, Laura, Jenny, and Katie. Jenny was a standout player for the Ripon softball program.