Penn Coach Reaches Milestone
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Reaching a milestone in your career can cause one to look back and think about where you’ve been.
William Penn Women’s Softball Coach Mike Christner recently marked his 500th career win with the Lady Statesmen since taking over the program in 2002. Since that time, Christner’s teams have continually grown into a national power year after year.
“You know what you really reflect on?” Christner asked, while talking about his milestone. “How many good players and good people you’ve had with you the whole time.” Christner has been busy answering the congratulation messages from former players, “that’s what makes you feel good, you have a relationship after the years”. Christner says that he has a lot of contact yet with former players, who often recommend prospective players to the softball program.
Christner has spent most of his time working at William Penn in coaching. He starting out as an assistant to legendary William Penn Head Baseball Coach Mike Laird, but moved on to the private sector for nearly 10 years seeking full-time employment. Eventually, a full-time position opened up and Christener returned to William Penn Baseball. Three years later, in 2002, Christner took over as Head Softball Coach.
Coach Christner has something else that is special for him as well, his daughter Steph Christner has been his assistant coach for 10 of the 13 years.
Christner doesn’t see himself handing over the head coaching reins to his daughter anytime in the near future, “When you enjoy something, you don’t give it up”.
Christner’s teams have made it to the national tournament three times in his thirteen years at William Penn. Even being four games back from the conference leader, “It’s still our destiny” says Christner about his team, who still has four games with the current leader. Winner of the conference tournament is the one that ultimately punches their ticket to the national dance.
Looking back at his time so far, Christner wanted to thank Coach Laird for giving him the opportunity, along with Dr. Boyd. “I’ve had good administration, no matter who it was” said Christner. “I’ve just got a lot of people that support me.”
