Samantha Sheeley is in her third season as a graduate assistant for the Winona State softball team, continuing to tutor pitchers after a successful playing career in the circle for Emporia State. She advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series in consecutive years, first as a player in 2008 and then coaching the Warriors in 2009.
Sheeley helped the Warriors to the NCAA Division II World Series in her first year with the program. Winona State set a school record with 50 wins on the year and earned both the NSIC Tournament and NCAA Central Region Tournament championships. With a 2-1 win over Le Moyne, the Warriors claimed the first World Series win in school history.
Winona State went 38-14 in 2010, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. Pitcher Courtney Strang was named to the Daktronics All-North Central Region first team thanks to Sheeley’s guidance.
Sheeley pitched at Emporia State for two seasons. She posted a 19-6 record with a 1.91 ERA in 2007, striking out 154 and tossing a no-hitter against Washburn in the conference tournament. She was second in the MIAA in wins, ERA and opponents’ batting average.
Her 2008 season was even better, going 31-8 with a 1.49 ERA. Sheeley had scoreless inning streaks of 25 and 24 innings on the season which was capped by an appearance in the NCAA Division II World Series. Sheeley led the MIAA in wins and opponents’ batting average and tossed her second career no-hitter against Missouri Southern State.
Sheeley was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American team and was also an all-region honoree. She was a first-team All-MIAA selection for the second consecutive season and was named conference Pitcher of the Year. He postseason performance led her to be named to the National Championships All-Tourmanent team while her performance in the classroom placed her on the Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
Before Emporia State University, Sheeley competed at Indian Hills (IA) Community College. At Indian Hills she posted a 16-5 record with a career ERA of 0.83.
Sheeley graduated from Emporia State University in 2008 with a degree in Education and Counseling. She is currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Winona State.
