Nevada Softball has appointed Olympic Bronze Medalist and three-time NFCA All-American Sara Groenewegen as an assistant coach for the 2027 season. Groenewegen will primarily focus on the pitching staff while also contributing to the team's offensive strategy. Her previous experience includes three successful seasons at Stanford, which saw substantial achievements including a combined 92鈥�30 record. As a cornerstone of Team Canada, she was key in earning the nation鈥檚 first Olympic softball medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Groenewegen looks forward to developing student-athletes and enhancing the program's championship culture.

By the Numbers
  • Stanford鈥檚 record during Groenewegen鈥檚 tenure: 92鈥�30.
  • Number of Big Ten Pitcher of the Year awards Groenewegen received: 2 (2014, 2017).
  • Three-time NFCA All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year in 2015.
Yes, But

Despite Groenewegen's impressive accolades, some may question the transition from player to coach, particularly in how effectively she can translate her on-field success into coaching strategies that resonate with student-athletes.

State of Play
  • Groenewegen joins Nevada amid a focus on rebuilding the softball program.
  • She will train alongside student-athletes while preparing for the next Olympic cycle.
What's Next

Groenewegen's coaching will be pivotal in shaping Nevada's softball team as they aim for postseason success. The implementation of her training methodologies will be watched closely as the season progresses.

Bottom Line

With her extensive experience and commitment to excellence, Groenewegen's addition to the Nevada Softball staff could significantly enhance the team's performance and culture moving forward. Her presence signals a promising future for the Wolf Pack program.