OLATHE, Kan. – MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) Director of Athletics Ryan Thompson has officially named Steve Babinski as the head coach of the Pioneer softball program. Babinski returns to Olathe after previously leading MNU from 2004-11, where he guided the Pioneers to Heart of America regular-season championships in 2006 and 2010, conference tournament titles in 2010 and 2011, and back-to-back NAIA National Championship appearances in 2010 and 2011. His 2010 squad finished 46-8, still the winningest team in program history.
Babinski returns after spending the last 15 seasons at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he compiled a 575-200-1 record while transforming the Wildcats into one of the NAIA's premier softball programs. He guided IWU to three conference regular-season championships, five conference tournament titles, 11 NAIA National Championship appearances, and three trips to the NAIA World Series. His teams led the NAIA in wins twice, reached a program-best No. 6 national ranking, and he was honored as the 2018 NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year. Babinski has also served in numerous national leadership roles with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, including two terms as NFCA/NAIA President.
"We believe Steve is an outstanding fit for MNU," said Thompson. "His commitment to Christ, passion for developing student-athletes, and pursuit of excellence align perfectly with our mission. We're excited to welcome Steve and his family to the MNU community and look forward to the impact he'll have on our softball program and the lives of our student-athletes."
"I am so excited to come home to MNU," said Babinski. "I want to thank Dr. Jon North, Todd Garrett, and Ryan Thompson for the opportunity to lead the Pioneer softball program once again. I can't wait to get to Olathe and invest in our team, campus, and community while helping foster a deeper love for Jesus Christ. My hope is that the excellence we pursue on the field, in the classroom, and across campus will have an eternal impact."
Steve and his wife, Rachel, have four children: Corianna, Alizzia, Benjamin, and Emi.
For more updates on MNU Softball, follow the team on social media and visit mnusports.com.
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