Nov. 27, 2007

Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Davenport University Athletic Department is proud to announce the hiring of the school's first ever women's softball coach.  Ronda Varnesdeel has been hired to lead the program which will begin in the spring of 2009. 

Ronda comes to Davenport from a very successful program at Aquinas College.  As the leader of the Saints program, Varnesdeel led them to four Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference Championships in 2003 and 2005-2007.  She was named WHAC Coach of the Year in each of those years and led her team to the NAIA National Tournament in 2005.  Under her direction, the Saints hold Aquinas team records in highest batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, most runs, most hits, most homeruns, total bases, RBI's and walks.  Ronda has coached 19 All-Conference Selections, 12 All-Region Selections and has seen four of her players be named WHAC Player of the Year. 

Varnesdeel will also serve as an Academic Advisor at the main campus of Davenport University located just off M-6 and Kraft Avenue.  When asked about the unique opportunity to build her program from the ground up, Ronda stated "It's exciting that I get an opportunity to take something that doesn't exist such as Davenport Softball, and mold it in to a championship caliber team. It will be a very challenging opportunity, but I am up for a good challenge. I can guarantee that those student-athletes that join the softball program at Davenport will be part of a respected program that values success on and off the field."

Davenport University, under the direction of Athletic Director Paul Lowden, started athletics just six years ago with Men's Hockey and Women's Basketball and after softball and baseball are added in 2008-2009, the University will feature 13 Varsity Sports and 3 Club Sports.  "It was very appealing to me to be able to join an institution that is focused on the future such as Davenport, added Varnesdeel. I have watched Davenport athletics as it has entered the WHAC and evolve into a competitive force. I am eager to have Davenport Softball play a hand in helping to create a strong athletic core at Davenport."

Ronda, who currently lives in Wayland, MI with her husband Bernard Jr. and their 2-year old son Bernard III, is very thankful of her time at Aquinas College. "I am grateful to Aquinas College and the opportunity it gave me as a coach. I had the opportunity to coach some great student-athletes who were very loyal and committed to the program. It was because of this commitment, Aquinas Softball has created a strong softball tradition. With hard work and dedication, I am committed to creating that same tradition at Davenport. It is my hope that Davenport softball will be a team that people recognize as a softball force."

Varnesdeel will begin the recruiting process immediately as she will look to focus on the local talent here in West Michigan.  If you have any questions about the softball program, please call the Davenport Athletic Office at 616-554-5045.