Release courtesy of Muhlenberg Athletic Communications
Sarah Leavenworth, whose past experiences include a winning percentage of .655 in 10 seasons as collegiate coach and two trips to the NCAA World Series, is the new head softball coach at Muhlenberg College.
"I would like to thank [Director of Athletics] Lynn Tubman and the search committee for the honor of being the next head softball coach at Muhlenberg College," she said. "During this process, they demonstrated a clear focus on the student-athlete's well-being and a fervent interest in the success of the softball program.
"When I first arrived, I was blown away by the beautiful campus and wonderful people but what struck me most was the culture of dedication to ensuring that student-athletes have a well-rounded and full educational experience. I am proud and excited for this opportunity to lead Muhlenberg College softball."
Leavenworth comes to Muhlenberg after four successful years as the head coach at Wilkes University. Taking over a program that had not enjoyed a winning record since 2008, she led the Colonels to three consecutive 20-win seasons, including a 26-16 mark in 2019, and two MAC Freedom playoff berths.
In her four years at Wilkes, Leavenworth coached a MAC Freedom player of the year, two all-region selections and 26 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete Award recipients. Her overall record was 86-70.
Prior to Wilkes, Leavenworth spent one year as the pitching coach at Division I University of Delaware, where she helped the Blue Hens to a 30-23 record and coached two Colonial Athletic Association pitchers of the week.
Leavenworth spent five seasons as an assistant at Moravian College, including her final season as associate head coach, from 2010 to 2014. During her tenure, she helped lead the Greyhounds to a 165-55 record, three consecutive Landmark Conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths and an appearance in the 2010 Division III Women's College World Series.
Before moving to the collegiate ranks, Leavenworth was the head coach at Western Christian High School in Covina, Calif., for four seasons.
Leavenworth is a 2004 graduate of Mississippi University for Women, where she earned second-team All-America honors as a catcher. She began her career at University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of the 1999 squad that advanced to the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series, before spending one season at the University of New Mexico.
Leavenworth, who earned her master's degree in special education with an emphasis in gifted learning from the University of Missouri in 2012, replaces Molly Rathbun, who left earlier this summer to become head coach at Trinity (Conn.) College.
She inherits a Muhlenberg team that is poised to break through after winning 19 games last spring with a young lineup that included five freshman starters, including the Centennial Conference gold glove of the year. The Mules' five CC titles are tied for the second-most all-time.