Softball: Hutchins Signs Five-Year Extension through 2017

Submitted by Raoul on

Great news from an mgoblue.com press release:

 

The University of Michigan and head softball coach Carol Hutchins have agreed to a five-year contract extension, director of athletics Dave Brandon announced on Wednesday (Nov. 7). The extension will keep Hutchins at Michigan through the 2017 season.

"I continue to be blessed to be the head coach at the University of Michigan," Hutchins said. "I am grateful to Dave Brandon and (senior associate athletic director) Bitsy Ritt for their continued support of me, my coaching staff and our program. They have invested so much in our program and we look forward to the future."

"Coach Hutchins continues to be a tremendous asset to our athletic department and University," said Brandon. "She is a great leader of young women and has proven to be one of the most successful coaches in the history of collegiate softball. We are excited to have her continued leadership both on and off the diamond."

MGoblu8

November 7th, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^

I am really excited by this. I am not a softball aficionado, but I find myself watching a few games every spring. She seems to be very well respected by those who do follow the game closely and it's great to see any UM team as a national power.

South Bend Wolverine

November 7th, 2012 at 2:22 PM ^

Great news indeed.  It puts me in mind of what Hutch said to the team after winning the NCAA regional this year: "The only thing I've ever wanted - another chance to get better!"  Her persistent drive for true excellence has made her program one of the crown jewels of the AD.

Related to this, I think you can make a compelling case that she belongs in the conversation among the greatest coaches in NCAA softball history.  She probably can't take the top spot, because some of those Southwestern coaches have huge piles of National Championships.    As the Ann Arbor News put it after we won the 2005 title, the accomplishment is " analogous to setting out to win an NCAA hockey title at the University of New Mexico. Then doing it."  The systemic disadvantages that Michigan faces due to the nature of the sport are gigantic, and the fact that Hutch turns out a nationally elite team, year in and year out, is nothing short of remarkable.  The Southern teams may have bigger trophy cases, but Michigan has worked much, much harder for what we have.

Wolverine Devotee

November 7th, 2012 at 3:28 PM ^

Best coach in college softball history. Period. I hope Michigan names Alumni Field, Hutchins Field when she does retire someday.

justingoblue

November 7th, 2012 at 4:18 PM ^

the early LOI signing period starts next Wednesday and continues through the 21st. I don't know what M recruiting looks like at the moment, but I'd assume some faxes make their way to Hutch's office.

VCavman24

November 7th, 2012 at 7:58 PM ^

Hutch has to be my second favorite coach at Michigan after Red.  A very close second though.  I am glad she is extending her contract.  Go Blue!