Former Averett University head coach Natalie Ruechel embarks on her first season as a member of the UNCW softball coaching staff.
“We are thankful Natalie has joined our coaching staff,” UNCW Head Coach Kristy Norton said. “She leaves a successful program at Averett University to help us in our championship efforts here.
“Natalie brings an enthusiastic perspective to our staff, is a tireless worker and is really ready to get involved in the day-to-day efforts with our student-athletes. She will assist in all areas of our program and we are really looking forward to seeing how her love of people really impacts our student-athletes.”
Ruechel joins the Seahawks after guiding Averett to a 31-16 record and the championship game of the USA South Conference Tournament in her lone season at the helm. In addition, she coached one NFCA All-America selection in addition to a pair of All-Region honorees.
A native of Oconto, Wisconsin, Ruechel spent two seasons as an assistant at Averett before being named to the head coach position in May 2018. As an assistant coach, she guided the Cougars to a 50-44 record, including a 24-14 mark in USA South Conference play. The program also enjoyed individual success with six players earning All-USA South honors, including the conference’s Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
Ruechel started her coaching career at her alma mater, Carroll University, where the Pioneers authored a 25-15 record.
A 2015 graduate of Carroll, Ruechel went 13-9 in the circle and earned All-Midwest Conference Second Team honors while serving as a team captain during her senior season. She also played at Wayne State and Iowa Western Community College.
Ruechel joins her brother, Evan, on the Seahawks’ staff while their father, Mike, is the head softball coach at the University at Buffalo.
