Long Beach State University Athletics
Photo by: Scott Quintard
Kim Sowder Earns Contract Extension
3/30/2022 10:04:00 AM | Softball
The winningest coach in the Big West, Sowder has been extended through the 2027 season.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Executive Director of Athletics Andy Fee has announced that Kim Sowder has received a contract extension, securing the services of the four-time Big West Coach of the Year through the end of the 2027 season.
"This contract extension is well deserved," said Executive Director of Athletics Andy Fee. "Kim Sowder has set the bar for excellence in the classroom and on the diamond. Under her direction our program has had great success and we envision even more opportunities for greatness."
No one is more synonymous with the Long Beach State Softball program or integral to its success than Kim Sowder. An All-American with the program in 1991, Sowder is still the program's career stolen base leader, and was the starting shortstop for three teams that advanced to the Women's College World Series.
After 11 seasons as an assistant coach, Sowder took over the helm of the program following Pete Manarino's retirement, and has continued the tradition of success. Under Sowder's leadership over the last 15 seasons, the Beach has advanced to the NCAA Tournament eight times and has won four Big West championships, including last season when the Beach put up a 22-2 conference record including a memorable and thrilling sweep of Cal State Fullerton on the final day.
Under Coach Sowder, Long Beach State has had two All-Americans, two players named Big West Player of the Year, five Big West Pitchers of the Year, 18 All-Region selections and 94 All-Big West selections.
Additionally, Long Beach State has finished .500 or better in 14 of the 15 seasons that Sowder has been in charge, and Sowder is nearing 500 career wins. Sowder has also won over 200 games in Big West play, only the fourth coach in conference history to reach that milestone.
Long Beach State softball also succeeds off the diamond, having passed the minimum APR standard every season under Coach Sowder.
"I love everything about Long Beach State, but most importantly the people I get to work alongside," said Sowder. "Every day working here has been a gift and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead our softball program. I would like to thank President Conoley and Andy Fee for their continued trust in me as a leader. I look forward to continuing our mission to cultivate leaders and champions, enrich the lives of our Beach family and positively impact the world."
"This contract extension is well deserved," said Executive Director of Athletics Andy Fee. "Kim Sowder has set the bar for excellence in the classroom and on the diamond. Under her direction our program has had great success and we envision even more opportunities for greatness."
No one is more synonymous with the Long Beach State Softball program or integral to its success than Kim Sowder. An All-American with the program in 1991, Sowder is still the program's career stolen base leader, and was the starting shortstop for three teams that advanced to the Women's College World Series.
After 11 seasons as an assistant coach, Sowder took over the helm of the program following Pete Manarino's retirement, and has continued the tradition of success. Under Sowder's leadership over the last 15 seasons, the Beach has advanced to the NCAA Tournament eight times and has won four Big West championships, including last season when the Beach put up a 22-2 conference record including a memorable and thrilling sweep of Cal State Fullerton on the final day.
Under Coach Sowder, Long Beach State has had two All-Americans, two players named Big West Player of the Year, five Big West Pitchers of the Year, 18 All-Region selections and 94 All-Big West selections.
Additionally, Long Beach State has finished .500 or better in 14 of the 15 seasons that Sowder has been in charge, and Sowder is nearing 500 career wins. Sowder has also won over 200 games in Big West play, only the fourth coach in conference history to reach that milestone.
Long Beach State softball also succeeds off the diamond, having passed the minimum APR standard every season under Coach Sowder.
"I love everything about Long Beach State, but most importantly the people I get to work alongside," said Sowder. "Every day working here has been a gift and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead our softball program. I would like to thank President Conoley and Andy Fee for their continued trust in me as a leader. I look forward to continuing our mission to cultivate leaders and champions, enrich the lives of our Beach family and positively impact the world."
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