Wichman Named Interim Head Softball Coach at Wright State

Wright State announced Thursday that assistant softball coach Justine Wichman has been named the interim head coach following the resignation of Ray Loeser.

Wichman was the assistant for two years at University of Charleston, which included the 2016 campaign that saw the Golden Eagles finish with a school-record 50 wins (50-12), win the NCAA Atlantic Regional and Super Regional titles and advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series in Denver, Colorado.  Charleston ended the season ranked #8 in the final National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Top 25 poll, the first national ranking in program history.

“Being an assistant this past fall, Justine brings a smooth transition to the team for spring.  Her knowledge and experience, coupled with her love for the game and her ability to connect with the student-athletes, make her a great leader,” Wright State Associate Athletics Director Joylynn Brown said.  “(Assistant) Coach Dave Brittingham, who’s been with us for 12 years, will remain an integral part of our staff and we are thankful for his loyalty and support.  We are looking forward to an exciting season of Raider softball.”

Prior to joining the UC staff, Wichman had given individual pitching, hitting, and fielding instruction and worked as the softball director for camps in New York State.

Wichman began her coaching career as a fifth-year student at York College where she was the assistant softball coach, and had responsibilities which included recruiting and creating practices. Wichman was primarily in charge of hitting, outfielders, pitchers, and conditioning this past season while also overseeing compliance, developing workout schedules, and providing leadership by establishing, and enforcing team regulations.

A native of Red Rock, Oklahoma. Wichman was a five-sport letter winner before graduating from Enid High School. She went on to play college softball at Northern Oklahoma College, completing an associate’s degree magna cum laude in Physical Sciences. She played a year at Rogers State University before finishing her softball career, coaching endorsement, and Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a 3.7 GPA at York College in Nebraska in 2014.

An all-conference performer for Northern Oklahoma and York Colleges, Wichman ranked in the top 15 nationally in both doubles and doubles per game and ended her playing career with a .365 batting average.

Wichman and her husband, Kyle, were married last December.

*Release Courtesy of Wright State Athletic Communications