Littrell Returns to Head Up Softball Program

Doane University Athletics is excited to announce the selection of Renae Littrell as Head Softball Coach. Littrell returns to the Tigers, having served as the head coach from 2013-17. In her five seasons as coach, she led the Tigers to the program's only conference title in 2015 and a pair of NAIA Opening Round Tournament appearances (2015, 2016).

"We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Littrell back to the Doane Family," said Mark Wateska, Director of Athletics for Doane University. "Renae has a proven track record of success both on and off the field. She is a strong leader and will serve as a role model and mentor to many. Renae brings a skill set that will reach beyond the softball field and will have positive impacts across the University."

Following her departure from Doane in May 2017, Littrell has remained in higher education having served as the Director of Retention and Student Success at Waldorf University (Iowa) from 2017-20. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Waldorf since 2017, both in-person and remotely. In 2022, she became a professor at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

"My family is blessed with an opportunity to be back within the Doane and Crete community, and I am ecstatic to work to bring Doane Softball to its rightful place, at the top of the conference and national stage," Littrell said. "I am motivated by the passion of Dr. (Roger) Hughes' direction for the University with the leadership of Mark Wateska. Doane University and Doane Athletics are rising, and I'm anxious to partner with my colleagues, community, and alumni to continue the positive progression. I want to thank Mark for the opportunity to lead the program again and our family, friends, alumni, and community members who welcome us back with open arms."

During her previous tenure leading the Tigers, Doane posted a 137-94 overall record (.593 win-percentage, best in program history) and a 63-38 mark in conference play. In 2015, the team won their first conference title with a 17-3 record and qualified for their first NAIA National Tournament appearance with an Opening Round trip to Oklahoma City. In 2016, the team finished second in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and earned a bid to the national tournament, once again traveling to Oklahoma.

Prior to arriving at Doane in August 2012, Littrell's coaching career was highlighted by collegiate stops as an assistant, first with Butler County Community College and then with Hutchinson Community College, both in Kansas. There, she gained valuable experience recruiting players from the United States, Canada and in Europe. She was coaching at Earl Warren High School in San Antonio at the time she accepted the Doane position.

She will begin to put her vision in motion by putting together a support staff ​​to partner with in developing the program, build relationships with current players, and begin recruiting new student-athletes. A primary goal for the season will be to develop a team mentality that fosters and supports success on and off the field.

"Doane University is a special place, and I am excited to be able to extend opportunities to new softball athletes within the state and nation that will have an opportunity to experience the Doane way," Littrell commented. "I am also excited to lead our current players, develop women leaders, and win softball games."

Renae's husband, Josh, is currently Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at Earl Warren High School in San Antonio.. They have three boys - Cooper (who will be attending The United States Military Academy - West Point in the fall), Max, and DJ.

Littrell replaces Jordan Olson, who took the head coaching position at her alma mater, Mayville State University, in North Dakota. The Tigers are coming off a 22-22 season and 9-13 record in the GPAC, finishing ninth.