After 23 years of service, Jan Schefkowitz, the winningest and longest tenure softball coach at California State University, Stanislaus has that she will retire at the end of this academic year.
"For more than two decades, Jan has been a role model for the young women that have played in the program," said Director of Athletics Michael Matoso. "She exemplifies class and dignity and on behalf of our University, I thank her for her dedication to the program and wish her the best in her retirement."
Schefkowitz has served as the head coach of the Warriors softball program since 1993. From 1993 to 1997 she also doubled as the head coach of the volleyball team at CSU Stanislaus.
"I am fortunate to have coached here at Cal State Stanislaus for the past 23 years,” said Schefkowitz. “The bonds I have made with the student-athletes, my colleagues and the community over the years will last a lifetime.”
Schefkowitz posted 557 victories in softball, the most in school history, including leading the Warriors to a 2007 West Region championship and a CCAA title in 2008. Her teams made six NCAA postseason tournament appearances, including four consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2009.
Under her guidance, more than 90 Warriors have earned All-Region awards, with Megan Law garnering All-American honors in 2006 and 2007. Schefkowitz herself was a 2000 CCAA Coach of the Year honoree.
The 2007 team, which hold the program record of 50 wins, advanced to the final six teams in the NCAA Championship tournament and ended the season ranked No. 6 in the nation.
In February, two members from the 2007 team – Jessica Gaumnitz and Meghan Franksen – were inducted to the Warrior Athletics Hall of Fame.
"The softball program has a good foundation and a bright future," Schefkowitz said. "I wish the entire athletics department much success."
A national search for the softball program's eighth head coach will begin immediately.