Softball Signs Former Division I Coach Kim Schuette to Sharpen Pitching Staff

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com

Ole Miss softball coach Mike Smith added Kim Schuette to his staff on Friday as the Rebels’ newest pitching coach.

Schuette has spent the past 14 seasons as a head coach at the Division I level. She brings to Oxford a successful career with more than 400 wins over her tenure on the diamond. Schuette has served as the head coach for 11 seasons across two stints at her alma mater, Eastern Illinois. In addition to her coaching duties at EIU, she has also held the role of the school’s Senior Woman Administrator since January of 2018­.

“I am very excited to join the Ole Miss softball program, the athletic department, and the University of Mississippi,” said Schuette. “I want to thank Mike and Lynnette Johnson for this great opportunity. Mike has elevated Ole Miss softball to a top-20 program in the country. Together with the staff, I look forward to helping sustain that and propel the program to being an annual national contender.”

Between two stops at EIU, Schutte headed to the Big Ten for three seasons at Purdue from 2014-16.

“We are excited about Kim and her family coming to Oxford to join our staff and community,” said Smith. “She is an excellent coach and will help us to continue the direction our program is headed in. Adding someone with a head coaching pedigree will be a tremendous asset for our players and program, and Kim’s Power Five experience adds to the complete package. Kim has been highly recommended and her colleagues speak highly of her character and expertise in pitching.”

The all-time wins leader at EIU, Schuette has racked up an overall record of 312-271-1 during her time in Charleston. She led the Panthers twice to the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title in 2011 and 2013, claiming the OVC Coach of the Year award for both campaigns. In each of those seasons, Schuette coached the OVC Pitcher of the Year in Amber May (2011) and Hanna Mennega (2013).

In total, Schuette’s Panthers have garnered 25 All-OVC selections, with seven players being named to the NFCA All-Mid-East Region Teams.

During her three-year stretch at Purdue, Schuette led the Boilermakers to an 85-81-1 record, registering five wins over top-25 teams. In 2015, Schuette’s squad won 31 games, which tied for the second most in a season at Purdue since 2008.

In her short stay, Schuette coach seven All-Big Ten performers, including three-time all-league pitching honoree Lilly Fecho. The Boilermakers also boasted nine NFCA All-Mid-East Region selections over Schuette’s three seasons.