Jenny Hill, the head softball coach at Augustana College the past three seasons, has resigned from her position, Augustana Director of Athletics
Bill Gross announced today.
Hill, who was also an instructor in the HPER department, said the decision to step down was for personal reasons, and that she intends to closely follow the program.
“It has been a blessing to be a coach, teacher and co-worker to so many wonderful individuals that I now call friends,” Hill said. “Being a former student-athlete and now a faculty member, my heart will always be with this place and I will always be a loyal Augustana Viking. However, the time has come for me to pursue the other passions that I have, which include another career path, a possible family and new ministry opportunities. I will miss coaching and teaching these wonderful young people, but it is the right time to make this transition in my life.”
Gross commended Hill for her service to Augustana and its softball program.
“Jenny has provided solid leadership for the Augie softball program for the past three years,” Gross said. “Her teams have achieved success because of her hard work and caring attitude. We will miss Jenny, but we wish her all the best as she moves on to the new challenges in her life.”
Hill, a standout player for the Vikings from 1998-2001, had a 91-60-1 record in three seasons at Augustana. This spring, Hill guided the Vikings to a 31-21 overall record and a 9-3 league mark. Augustana also won the North Central Conference championship for the first time since 1993. By winning the NCC title, the Vikings advanced to the North Central Regional Championships for the first time since 2002. The No. 7 seed, Augustana finished third at the regional tournament.
In 2005, Hill earned NCC Coach of the Year honors after directing Augustana to a 25-18-1 overall record and a 6-5-1 NCC record. The Vikings were the No. 2 seed in the NCC Tournament.
She led the Vikings to a 35-21 record in her first season. Despite losing its first game in the NCC Tournament, Augie came all the way back through the loser’s bracket to reach the championship game.
Hill starred for the Vikings from 1998-2001. She was a four-time Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II All-America selection. She was a first team pick her junior and senior seasons, and a second team choice her freshman and sophomore years. She was named to the All-North Central Conference all four years. In Hill's four seasons, the Vikings compiled a 207-55 record.
Hill capped her career by helping the Vikings to a 46-16 record in 2001. She was the team's leading hitter with a .473 average, and also set the pace in hits with 98, doubles with 22, and RBIs with 74. She tied for most home runs with 8. A left-handed pitcher, she posted a 21-8 record with a 1.40 earned run average. She holds Augustana season records for most hits, most doubles, most runs batted in, and most walks.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology/exercise science, Hill, who was South Dakota’s 2001 NCAA Woman of the Year honoree, moved on to Ball State University. At Ball State, she spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach while earning her master’s degree in sports biomechanics in 2003.
Gross said a search for a new head softball coach will begin immeditately.
Jenny Hill’s Career Record at AugustanaYear: Overall Record (NCC Record) / Highlights
2004: 35-21 (8-6) / Advanced to championship game of NCC Tournament
2005: 25-18-1 (6-5-1) / Named NCC Coach of the Year
2006: 31-21 (9-3) / Won NCC Tournament, Advanced to Regionals
Total: 91-60-1 (23-14-1)
