ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University head softball coach Colleen Powers has accepted a new position at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she will serve as the Vikings' head softball coach. Powers closes the most successful coaching tenure in St. Kate's softball history after thirteen seasons leading the Wildcats.
"I am incredibly thankful for my time at St. Kate's and for the players, coaches, staff, colleagues, and friends who have had such a profound impact on me over the last 13 years," said Powers. "I have poured my heart and soul into this program, and while leaving is incredibly difficult, I am excited for the opportunity to continue my coaching journey at Augustana University."
Since taking over ahead of the 2014 season, Powers helped transform St. Kate's into a consistent contender in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and on the national stage. During her time with the Wildcats, Powers posted a .582 winning percentage, recorded 287 wins, and led the program to nine winning seasons.
Under Powers' leadership, St. Kate's reached historic postseason heights, including back-to-back appearances in the MIAC Playoffs and NCAA Tournament in 2016 and 2017. Her 2017 team put together the most successful season in program history, capturing MIAC Playoff, NCAA Regional, and NCAA Super Regional titles while advancing to the championship round of the NCAA Tournament.
That season, the Wildcats set program records for single-season wins and MIAC wins, while Powers and her staff were recognized as the NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year. Powers was also named MIAC Coach of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.
In addition to the team success, Powers helped develop some of the top student-athletes in program history, including the program's first All-Americans, as well as numerous All-MIAC, All-Region, and academic honorees. Under her leadership, the Wildcats earned 38 All-MIAC selections and 17 All-MIAC Honorable Mention honors. She also coached three MIAC Player of the Year honorees, the 2017 MIAC Playoff MVP, and two MIAC Rookie of the Year selections. During her tenure, St. Kate's student-athletes earned MIAC Player or Pitcher of the Week honors 27 times, while the program collected 101 NFCA Scholar-Athlete awards.
"I will always be proud of what we built together, the relationships we formed, and the impact this program has had on so many student-athletes," Powers said. "Leading this program has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am especially grateful to Eric Stacey for entrusting me with that responsibility thirteen years ago."
"St. Kate's will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the memories, friendships, championships, and experiences that have come from being part of this remarkable community."
Augustana finished the 2026 season with a 31-28 record, claiming the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament Championship, marking the program's 31st trip to the NCAA postseason. Powers will take over the NCAA Division II program following Gretta Melsted, who retired after 20 seasons leading the Vikings.
St. Catherine University will begin its search for the next head softball coach immediately.
