NCAA appearance caps record-setting season for softball

The Green Bay softball team’s NCAA Tournament run appearance ended with a loss to Auburn on Saturday, May 17. (Read more about the Tournament.)

Despite the loss, the team celebrated a sensational season — tying a softball program record with 27 wins (14 losses) and winning the Horizon League regular season title for the first time in program history.

Since the team had to miss the UW-Green Bay commencement ceremonies, Phoenix Athletics Director Mary Ellen Gillespie surprised the seniors by handing them their diplomas before the game.

With the end of the season, also came the announcement of the retirement of Head Coach Jean Rivett, who leaves the program in solid shape, and after 13 seasons at the helm. The two-time Horizon League Coach-of-the-Year leaves with a 255-207-1 overall record, and having mentored 24 all-league honorees and five academic all-region honorees.

“Some of the best years of my life have been coaching softball,” Rivett said. “Earlier this year I informed Mary Ellen of my decision. It’s been a great ride, and I want to thank the University for the opportunity to coach and mentor so many young women at Green Bay. I will continue to be these young women’s biggest fan for many years to come. I couldn’t have scripted my last year at Green Bay any better.”

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Photos provided by UW-Green Bay Athletics

For a look at the warm welcome home the team received when they clinched the Horizon League title, see our earlier post.