YVC Names Koppenhafer as Head Softball Coach
Yakima Valley College is happy to announce that Renae Koppenhafer has been selected as the new Head Softball Coach for the Yaks. Koppenhafer succeeds long-time coach Chuck Bodeen at the YVC helm. She will begin her formal duties on June 16.
“I am looking forward to opportunity to see what the program can become,” said Koppenhafer. “YVC has great potential for student-athletes to grow as both players and people. I am excited to get on Dunbar Field with all of the returnees and incoming Yaks this season!”
Most recently, Koppenhafer was an assistant softball coach at Southern Utah University, an NCAA Division 1 school in Cedar City, Utah, where her primary duties included working with the development of catchers and pitchers while assisting with hitting development and special projects. Prior to that, Koppenhafer coached softball at Topsail High School in Hampstead, N.C. During that experience, several of her players were developed and recruited by numerous 4-year colleges and universities.
During her intercollegiate playing career, Koppenhafer was the catcher for Augusta State University from 2010-12, where she started 95 games in her two seasons there. Prior to that, Koppenhafer was a standout player at the community college level, playing at North Idaho College from 2008-10. At NIC, she was named to the NJCAA All-Region 18 First Team and the Region 18 All-Tournament team in 2009.
Additionally, Koppenhafer has established connections with the travel/club softball circuit, both regionally and on the West Coast, and has years of experience running softball camps and clinics and providing private lessons. She is a graduate of Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Wash.
YVC Director of Athletics Ray Funk said Koppenhafer is the right individual to lead the program and looks forward to watching the program grow.
“Renae brings a well-rounded resume to YVC — she has familiarity with the NWAC and the community college level, has NCAA Division 1 coaching experience, has ties to the area and has a clear vision for her program,” Funk said. “We are confident that Renae can ultimately help this program take the next step!”
Press Release Contacts:
Dustin Wunderlich / 509.574.6870 / dwunderlich@yvcc.edu
Ray Funk / 509.574.4722 / rfunk@yvcc.edu