ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Softball's Ryan Stevens climbed the ladder in the offseason, being named Associate Head Coach of the Warrior softball team. While his role on gameday won't change, he will handle the day-to-day things with the softball program while head coach Brie Campbell works on the big picture.

"Obviously, it's always rewarding as a coach to keep moving up the totem pole. Ever since I stepped foot at Jessup, it's felt like home," said Stevens. "Brie has been awesome as well, she's really taken me in, and we have built our camaraderie together. We really complement each other well. It was more fitting with one of us doing the on-field stuff while she does she big picture things like recruiting and scheduling."

Stevens got his collegiate coaching career underway at Sierra College as an assistant coach with the baseball program in 2011. 

During his five-year tenure at Sierra, the Wolverines never missed the postseason.

He joined the Jessup family in 2020 as a volunteer hitting coach but was promoted to assistant coach in the 2021 season.

"I think it's one of those things that I felt comfortable walking in and doing, and Brie's really comfortable doing what she's doing," Stevens added. "She's been working with the pitchers and pitch calling, but when it comes to the defensive positioning and offensive stuff, that's gonna be falling on my shoulders."

Over the summer, Stevens sharpened his coaching skills as the manager of the California Collegiate League's Lincoln Potters. He helped lead Lincoln to a 36-23 record and a berth in the CCL State Championship.

The Potters have made the playoffs every year since Stevens took over the managerial duties in 2018. He also holds the record for most wins in franchise history with 37.

"The foundation of who I am and how we coach will never change, whether it be high school kids or college," Stevens said about the difference in coaching baseball versus softball. "I just like dogs, man. I like guys and girls that fight till the end that are gritty. It doesn't matter if you're losing at the time. You never take a pitch off."

Stevens was busy off the field in the off-season as well, as his family grew by one with the birth of his third child, Sienna, in November.

Asked about the balance of coaching at a high level and raising three children, Stevens said, "I try to be there for my family, be a family guy, be there when my wife needs me and then also be there for the young athletes and these women and help them grow through life as well. So it's tough. No doubt, not a lot of sleep, but it's something that's worth the grind for sure."  
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).