Gustavus Adolphus College has selected Mapleton, Minnesota native, Jeff Annis as its new softball coach. Annis replaces Shanda Ness who resigned in May after serving as head coach for the past eight years. Annis, who retired as the girls’ head softball coach at Maple River High School in May, will begin his duties immediately.
“Gustavus is a great institution with a tremendous athletic tradition, and I am very excited to take on this new challenge,” stated Annis. He added, “I look forward to working with the players and developing a program that can compete for conference, regional, and national titles on a regular basis.”
Gustavus Athletics Director Al Molde is pleased to be able to add a coach of Annis’ caliber to the Gustavus staff. “Jeff has developed a reputation as one of the finest softball coaches in the state and we are excited to have him join us..” Molde added, “We look forward to working with him as he prepares to add another significant chapter to the long and successful history of the Gustavus softball program.”
Annis compiled a record of 463-84 during his 22 years as the head coach at Maple River. 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 to 1991 and then served as president from 1991 to 1993.
In addition to his high school coaching, Annis coached the Maple River summer girls’ team to a regional tournament appearance and a national tournament appearance in 1993. He has also coached the Maple River Boys’ 16 and under fastpitch team to national titles in both 2004 and 2005.
Annis will continue his teaching duties in the Maple River school district, where he teaches adaptive physical education and drivers’ education, and serves 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 with their three children, Aaron, Heather, and Adam.