GOSHEN, Ind. – Luke Wagner has been named the ninth head softball coach for the Maple Leaf program, as announced by Director of Athletics Dr. Erica Albertin on Thursday, August 4.

"I am excited to welcome Coach Wagner to Goshen College," said Albertin. "He brings a passion for developing student-athletes, a wealth of knowledge and attention to detail. Coach Wagner has previous experience as a head coach and a student-athlete and will continue to build on the momentum of our softball program."

"Goshen College is a small, close-knit community that offers excellent educational opportunities and immense potential for athletic growth," Wagner shared. "There is no doubt in my mind that Goshen softball is on the cusp of several program firsts in the very near future. As a coach, and as a competitor, that's something you want to be a part of."

Wagner has spent the last 11 seasons at the NCAA Division III institution Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. During his time there, Wagner became the program's all-time winningest coach, displaying a record of 217-172-2 and a .558 win percentage. His 2014 team had the top batting average in Division III, and the 2018 and 2019 teams made it to the Southern Athletic Association conference championship games.

Wagner's teams have also found success in the classroom. The Lynx earned "Top 100" Team GPA status eight times from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, and the 3.816 team GPA in 2021 was ranked fifth across all NCAA and NAIA softball programs.

Before being named head coach at Rhodes, Wagner was the assistant coach for the Holy Cross Crusaders softball program in Worchester, Massachusetts, from 2010-2011. His duties included team and individual defense, opponent scouting and recruiting. The team set a program mark for the highest single-season fielding percentage.

A native of Sidney, Ohio, Wagner was a student-athlete on the Wittenberg University baseball team in Springfield, Ohio, where he majored in history and minored in education. He completed a master's degree in coaching education at Ohio University in 2013.

"Coach Wagner will lead our softball program to a new level of success both on the field and in the classroom," Albertin added. "He will greatly contribute to our department and school."

Wagner is married to his wife Chelsea and has a son Aiden and a dog Archer. He will begin the role on August 15.

Goshen College is a renowned college in Northern Indiana with award-winning programs that educate the head and heart, creating global citizens who lead with courage and compassion. The Maple Leafs compete in 14 varsity sports in the NAIA's highly competitive Crossroads League and Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, continuing a tradition of intercollegiate athletics that dates to 1956 and included women's competition nearly a decade before Title IX. For more information on GC athletics, visit GoLeafs.net and follow the Maple Leafs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @GCMapleLeafs.

What They're Saying About Luke Wagner:

Chris Kuhlmeyer, head softball coach, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
"Luke is a perfect choice to lead Goshen softball! He has the drive and experience to make the Maple Leafs one of the top NAIA programs in the country. I'm very excited for Luke and his family as they embark on this new adventure!"

Brian Claypool, assistant softball coach, University of Massachusetts Lowell
"Coach Wagner is a true educator and cares about the entire student-athlete experience for the women he coaches. On the field, he finds creative ways to teach the game and enhance game performance. Off the field, Coach Wagner emphasizes academic excellence and has an innate ability to bolster the confidence of his players for success in their futures beyond college softball. I'm excited to follow the future of Goshen softball."

Kim House, associate athletic director for compliance & student-athlete success / senior women's administrator, Rhodes College
"Luke served as the Rhodes College head softball coach for 11 seasons and achieved his 200th career win during his time here. We wish him all the best."