University of Delaware Athletics
Steele Inked to Five-Year Contract Extension
10/16/2024 11:34:00 AM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware and Head Softball Coach Jen Steele have agreed upon a five-year contract extension through 2029, Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak announced Wednesday.
"Jen is an exceptional head coach, she and her staff have done an excellent job leading our program to new heights, as shown by the record-setting season in 2024," Rawak said. "Her vision and passion for what she does has led to tremendous success in Newark both on and off the field and I am incredibly excited to watch as she leads us into Conference USA."
The program has made significant strides during Steele's tenure as head coach. She has accumulated a record of 163-92 since 2019 with regular season CAA championships in 2022 and 2023 – the only two regular season titles in program history. The two-time CAA Coach of the Year has coached 21 All-CAA selections, 16 NFCA All-Region selections, three CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and one CAA Pitcher of the Year since being hired in 2019.
"I am honored and humbled to lead this program for another five seasons," Steele said. "Renewing my commitment to Delaware isn't about a contract—it's about the family we've built, the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field, and the joy of watching these student-athletes grow into confident women who are difference makers in this world. I wholeheartedly believe in these people and this place and I cannot imagine myself wearing anything other than the Blue & Gold."
Delaware is coming off a season in which it set program records for wins in a season (39) and conference wins in a season (21) while tying its program record for longest win streak (13) and longest conference win streak (10). The Hens have won at least 25 games in a program record four-straight seasons.
In 2024, the Blue Hens led the CAA in average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, doubles, and ERA. Their 1.98 ERA was ninth best in the NCAA. Delaware was also top five in the conference in home runs, shutouts, triples, walks, and stolen bases. Delaware has been ranked top five in the CAA in average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and ERA for five consecutive seasons. In 2023, Emily Winburn became the first player in program history to be named conference Pitcher of the Year.
Off the field, Delaware has earned 25 NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes since 2019, including a program best nine in 2021. The Hens also have nine named as CSC Academic All-District selections under Steele.
Delaware enters its 50th season in program history 2025, and will usher in a new stadium as Delaware Softball Diamond is undergoing significant renovations that will provide a first-class experience for student-athletes throughout the state. Construction is ongoing and will be completed in time for the 2025 season.
The Hens will compete in their final season in the CAA in 2025, before joining Conference USA in 2026. UD will host the Conference USA Softball Championship in its first season in the league.
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