ASHLAND – The results are undeniable. After winning a third national championship in four years, Southern Oregon University softball coach
Jessica Pistole's process has also earned a seal of approval in the form of the 2022-23 NAIA Coach of Character Award.
The NAIA announced Pistole's latest plaudits Friday, its annual National Awards Day, for her dedication to "teaching character through sport." It coincided with her Raiders being named an NAIA Scholar Team for boasting a 3.57 combined GPA.
"The character of Coach Pistole is embodied by the team she coaches," SOU Director of Athletics Matt Sayre said. "They are courageous in showing gratitude, love and selflessness in the midst of competition and during the course of a season. People in the stands recognize it and call it class. They realize it's there because someone taught and modeled it. When character values help win championships, they take on something more transcendent, and Jess is responsible for all of that. She is a remarkable teacher, person and coach."
Pistole was voted the NAIA Coach of the Year for the third time following SOU's latest title run this spring. Two years after prevailing at the World Series with five consecutive elimination-game victories, the Raiders dominated with a tournament record 35-2 run differential as the No. 4 seed. They twice defeated their rivals, top-seeded Oregon Tech, by a combined margin of 21-0.
The Raiders have been an NAIA Scholar Team every year since Pistole's arrival in 2015. They've also completed over 250 community service hours annually.
"On behalf of the conference we want to congratulate Jessica Pistole on this well deserved honor," Cascade Conference Commissioner Robert Cashell said. "Her approach to leading young women in sport, service and overall personal development reflects exactly what the Champions of Character program represents."
Pistole's overall record in eight seasons at SOU is 373-114. She's led the Raiders to five World Series appearances, seven national tournaments and four 50-win campaigns, and produced three NAIA Players of the Year.
Prior to her arrival, the Raiders had never played a national tournament game. They now have a 43-15 record in such contests.
Said a rival coach within the conference: "Occasionally you come across a person that you know is going to be successful regardless of the task. Jessica is that person."