ST. PETER, Minn. – Jeff Annis, head softball coach at Gustavus Adolphus College, has announced his retirement after 11 seasons at the helm of the program.
The sixth head coach in Gustavus softball history, Annis finishes as the winningest coach in the 47-year history of the program. During his tenure at Gustavus, he skippered the Gusties to a mark of 325-134-1 overall and 195-44-1 in the MIAC. Annis surpassed former Gustavus coach Tom Witty’s program record win mark of 293 victories in 2015 and recorded his 300th collegiate win this past season. He coached 19 players who garnered 37 All-Conference honors, two Academic All-Americans, and one overseas professional player, Joyce DeWitz. The Gusties qualified for the MIAC playoffs every season Annis served as the head coach and won the 2015 playoff championship. He also guided the Gusties to a MIAC regular season championship in 2009. The 2009 team advanced to the NCAA Division III World Series for the first time in the program’s history finishing in third place and setting the school record for wins in a season with 42.
Jeff Annis
“It’s a lot of little things that led me to this decision,” Annis said. “It’s been 33 years of devoting the entire spring to softball and at the Division III level, you are recruiting all year. I’m getting to the age where that all adds up. I love Gustavus and I am glad I had the opportunity to coach so many great players and teams. Now Linda and I will have more time to pursue our hobbies and spend time with family.”
Prior to coming to Gustavus, Annis was the head softball coach at Maple River High School for 22 years where he compiled a record of 463-84. He directed his teams to 21 Valley Conference titles and 15 state tournament appearances. His teams won state titles in 1992, 1996, and 2001. Annis was named Minnesota Softball Coaches Association (MSCA) Coach of the Year three times and Section Coach of the year six times. He served as secretary/treasurer of the MSCA from 1986-91 and then as president from 1991-93.
“We’d like to thank Jeff for his dedication to the program over the past 11 years,” Gustavus Athletic Director Tom Brown said. “Under his guidance, the softball team has been established as a constant contender in the MIAC and he has set a high standard of competitiveness. We wish Jeff and his family nothing but the best in their future endeavors.”
Annis will continue his teaching duties in the Maple River school district for the next school year, where he teaches adaptive physical education and drivers’ education, in addition to serving as the Activities Director. A 1979 graduate of Mapleton High School, Annis graduated from Golden Valley Junior College in 1981 and Mankato State University in 1983. Jeff and his wife, Linda, live in Mapleton and have three children, Aaron, Heather, and Adam.
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Jeff you are a stellar coach and a wonderful man! Congratulations!
Congratulations Jeff on guiding the Gustavus Softball program for the last 11 years. You have had them competing at a high level for all those years. The ladies were fortunate to be coached by a person that had great knowledge of the game and helped them become the best they could be. Thanks for your commitment to Gustavus Softball Jeff as you have touched so many people’s lives.
Jeff–Best wishes to you, Linda and your Family in your next chapter. Gustavus has been fortunate to have you as the leader of their softball program for the past decade. You brought in some outstanding assistant coaches and developed a strong program that will continue to be successful. More importantly you had a positive impact on young ladies well beyond just the wins/losses on the field. Thanks for sharing your talents and time with others as you have demonstrated what it truly means to be a Coach!
Great job. Good luck moving on.
Captain Andy
Jeff:
It has been a pleasure locking horns with you and your team over the years. I have always admired the way you run your program. Your student-athletes and coaches have always been tough, talented, and classy.
Thank you for your friendship.
Chris Helixon
UW-La Crosse