Coach Erin Kinberger has good reason to celebrate, she is the first coach to win the SSC title back to back.
Credit: @saintleolions
The Saint Leo University Softball program has been showing consistent success in head coach Erin Kinberger’s first four seasons. With their win in the first half of their doubleheader April 7, the Lions had secured their fourth consecutive 30-win season. They currently sit at 31-10 and are riding a six-game win streak of their own. Kinberger took a moment to reflect on her team’s success while she has been coaching the Lions.
“I’d just like to take a moment to thank all of the women who have played for us over the past four years. Thank you for believing in us (coaches) and giving us the opportunity to give back to the sport and to each NFCAof you- who we desire to give the best experience possible,” Kinberger said. “Thank you for understanding and staying ‘on board’ when that great experience doesn’t feel so great. Winning is not easy, and at times, requires thick skin, accountability, harsh realities, bloody elbows and knees, but through the tough times, we’ve been able to watch all of you experience greatness on the field and in life. Thank you for letting us be tough on you, so you can have the best version of yourself and SLUSB.”
The team has been absolutely dominant defending their home turf, going an incredible 19-2 in those games thus far, which helped the Lions reach No. 24 in the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) in Division II softball. Kinberger credits the success to team chemistry.
“We have a lot of individual talents, but the team understanding that individuals don’t win in softball has proven to this team that teamwork and dedication to SL-US-B is the No. 1 focus.”
Kinberger has been a winning coach in the seven years that she has been coaching. She had at least 30 wins every season except for one, where she was one win shy of it, (29). She boasts a career 253-96 record as of this writing. Kinberger humbly gives credit to the team’s culture and her assistant coaches.
“SLUSB’s ability to have consistent success is most definitely due to the team’s culture. Their determination and dedication to excellence and love for one another are key factors in their culture. Another factor is having talented assistant coaches who each bring a high level of game knowledge to various aspects of the game, a standard of excellence that is unwavering and a true commitment to each student-athlete on and off the field.”
