Steve Crook Steps Down as Softball Head Coach

• MEQUON, Wis. – Steve Crook, after 25 seasons as the head coach of the Concordia Wisconsin softball program, stepped down from his position.

"It is with a profound sense of gratitude and respect that I have accepted the resignation of coach Crook," said Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill. "Steve has been instrumental in developing our softball program into a championship contender and the culture he has established will continue to be the foundation upon which we build the future of Falcon softball. Steve has taken our program to great heights, helped many young women on and off the field, and has been an instrumental part of our administrative team. I will miss having Steve on our administrative team. He has singularly elevated our game management protocols and processes to provide our students, fans, and guests with the best possible environment to compete, showcase their talents, and enjoy professionally produced events.  As Steve transitions into another industry, we want to say thank you, to he and his family for their dedication and sacrifice in service to CUW."

Crook finishes his career as the winningest coach in program history with a record of 565-376.

"I have made the very difficult and emotional decision to leave CUW," said Steve Crook. "I have been very fortunate to have had such a memorable and long career. The young ladies and their families who chose to be Falcons have become such a big part of my life. You have truly touched my life more than words can say. I also want to thank my assistant coaches, who have become dear friends.  Our time together has flown by, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I would lastly like to thank my amazing family and my wife who have supported me through all of the ups and downs. I will always be a Falcon and continue to support my friends and colleagues who do tremendous work here at the university.  Your support is beyond anything I could have ever expected."

He was a six-time conference coach of the year, claiming the honor in 2002, 2004, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He was also named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in 2023.

In 2023, he became the first coach in Concordia Wisconsin history to win an NCAA Regional title in any sport.

Under his guidance, the Falcons claimed conference titles in 2002, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and conference tournament titles in 2006, 2009, 2022 and 2023.

During his 25 years at Concordia, 95 student-athletes were named to all-conference teams. He also had 19 student-athletes claim all-region honors and five all-America honors from the NFCA.

Crook's teams always excelled in the classroom as well and were well-represented in the NACC Scholar-Athlete Awards and in the NFCA Academic Honor Roll. He also had eight student-athletes earn Academic All-District honors and two Academic All-America honors.

A national search for the next softball head coach will begin immediately.

In addition to coaching the softball program, Crook served as an assistant athletic director at CUW. He received his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1990 and his Master's Degree in Education from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1997.