April 9, 2008

RIPON, Wis. - Former Ripon pitcher and current assistant coach Jen Mueller has been named the next head coach of the Ripon College softball team, effective at the end of the 2008 season. Mueller will replace Kelly Witte, who has coached the Red Hawks to 176 wins in her 11 seasons at the school.

Mueller is no stranger to the Red Hawk softball program. A 2007 graduate of Ripon College, Mueller holds the school record for 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."