APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University softball coach Kim Tatro has been named the Midwest Conference Coach of the Year for the eighth time.
In a vote of league coaches, Tatro won the award in the wake of her team finishing second in the Midwest Conference. Tatro just completed her 22nd season at Lawrence and also won Coach of the Year honors in 2013, 2011, 2006, 2002, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
“This is really recognition for our entire program,” Tatro said. “We have a tremendous group of people and everyone contributes to our success. Our coaching staff couldn’t be more proud of the outstanding women we get the opportunity to work with. They truly made this a very special year.”
Lawrence won the North Division for the first time since 2005 and qualified for the Midwest Conference Tournament for the third consecutive season. The Vikings hosted the MWC Tournament at Whiting Field and reached the title game before falling to Lake Forest College.
The Vikings compiled a record of 28-12, and that is the second-highest season win total in school history. The 1999 team set the record with 31 victories.
Lawrence put together separate five-, six- and seven-game win streaks during the 2015 season. The Vikings finished with a 10-4 record in conference play and an 18-8 mark in non-conference and post-season contests.
Tatro has won more MWC Coach of the Year honors than any coach in Lawrence history. Former men’s basketball coach John Tharp is next on the list with four conference Coach of the Year awards.
Tatro, who was inducted into Lawrence’s Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, also has more victories than any coach in school history. Tatro’s softball teams have a record of 367-321-1, and her overall mark, which includes eight seasons of volleyball, is 458-442-1.
Lawrence also had several players honored after the season. Shortstop Amanda Jaskolski was named the MWC Player of the Year and was a first-team All-Great Lakes Region selection. Catcher Sam Belletini was a first-team all-conference pick and earned third-team all-region honors. Pitcher Liz Barthels was a second-team all-conference selection.