Sarah K. Willis
Chillicothe
Summary
Dynamic Head Softball Coach with a proven track record at Bradley University, excelling in talent acquisition and team leadership. Over 15 years of coaching experience, 10 of those years as the head coach. Successful recruiting track record through strategic tactics, and signed over 150 prospects. Engineered fundraising success, securing $30,000 annually, while fostering a positive team culture. Skilled in strategic development and effective public speaking, driving program growth and enhancing player performance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Softball Coach
Bradley University
Peoria
06.2022 - Current
- Supervised daily functions with efficiency.
- Secured travel logistics, orchestrated recruiting contacts, executed daily staff and player meetings, communicated with sponsors, and delivered presentations to current and prospective donors.
- Directed the management of a $250,000 budget.
- Oversaw coordination of team operations and personnel.
- Managed a support team of 10 personnel and 22 student-athletes annually.
- Developed new talent acquisition regions across the Midwest, and expanded territories into California and Texas.
- Achieved recruitment targets with a standard class size of 10 players.
- Executed innovative fundraisers to boost program finances.
- Secured $30,000 in annual funding.
- Enhanced service delivery through impactful community engagement.
- Spearheaded program marketing initiatives.
- Enhanced the program's social media presence resulting in a 25% increase.
- Directed team building retreats to foster leadership skills.
- Achieved the best single season improvement since 1994.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive team culture that emphasized sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Assessed player abilities and assigned positions according to individual strengths.
Head Softball Coach
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green
07.2015 - 06.2022
- Oversaw an operational budget of $135,000.
- Revitalized the program by acquiring and developing players.
- Secured high-performance achievements while leading the team.
- Achieved a 32-19 record in the year of 2022.
- Achieved over 30 wins in the program for the first time since 2012.
- Guided team to first MAC Tournament appearance since 2012 with a .593 conference win rate.
- Created fresh fundraising initiatives and boosted contributions by 50% in the program's first year.
- Generated $30,000 annually.
- Led crowdfunding initiatives for the athletic department.
Lead Assistant Coach (Pitching/Catching/Recruiting/Academic Coordinator)
University of Dayton
Dayton
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Set the benchmark for single season victories at UD with 39 wins.
- Guided UD program achieving a three-peat appearance in the prestigious A10 event.
- Supported coaching the team to its inaugural A10 Championship match.
- Set a new milestone for most conference wins in a single season, achieving a record of 20-2.
- Spearheaded university relations programs, boosting recruitment by developing strategic partnerships.
- Developed training regimen to boost cohesive teamwork and interpersonal interaction.
- Encouraged and improved cross-department internal communication.
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Hitting/Recruiting Coordinator)
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Outfield/Sport Psychology)
North Carolina Diamonds Professional Softball Organization
Charlotte
06.2012 - 08.2012
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Outfield/Recruiting Coordinator)
Princeton University
Princeton
01.2010 - 01.2012
Student Assistant Softball Coach
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
08.2008 - 05.2009
Education
Masters of Science - Sport Psychology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX01.2008
Skills
- Strategic Developer
- Achievement Oriented
- Cost Control Expertise
- Team Leadership Training
- Performance-Oriented Mindset
- Skilled Verbal Communicator
- Proficient Written Communicator
- Flexible Problem-Solver
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Effective Public Speaking
- Team development
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership skills
- Time management
Accomplishments
· McHaney Scholar (2008) - Softball High Senior for Academic Excellence
· Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship Award (2007-2008) - One of 24 recipients to be awarded the Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship Award by the Big 12 Conference Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives
· Margaret E. Wilson Award winner (2007) - Earned recognition for the highest female athletic GPA at Texas Tech University Athletic Department (GPA - 3.95)
· Big 12 Conference All-American First Team (2007)
· NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete (2006-2007)
Certification
· NCAA/NACWAA Women’s Leadership Symposium (Baltimore, MD): May 2015
· NCAA Alliance of Women Coaches (Denver, CO): May 2015
Timeline
Head Softball Coach
Bradley University
06.2022 - Current
Head Softball Coach
Bowling Green State University
07.2015 - 06.2022
Lead Assistant Coach (Pitching/Catching/Recruiting/Academic Coordinator)
University of Dayton
07.2014 - 07.2015
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Outfield/Sport Psychology)
North Carolina Diamonds Professional Softball Organization
06.2012 - 08.2012
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Hitting/Recruiting Coordinator)
Southeast Missouri State University
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Softball Coach (Pitching/Catching/Outfield/Recruiting Coordinator)
Princeton University
01.2010 - 01.2012
Student Assistant Softball Coach
Texas Tech University
08.2008 - 05.2009
Masters of Science - Sport Psychology
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Texas Tech University
Similar Profiles
Stefano WillsStefano Wills
GCC Production Office Staff at Bradley UniversityGCC Production Office Staff at Bradley University
Faith HumphreyFaith Humphrey
Bradley University Police Social Media Assistant at Bradley UniversityBradley University Police Social Media Assistant at Bradley University
Kenna DelahantyKenna Delahanty
Director of Finance at Bradley UniversityDirector of Finance at Bradley University