OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha softball head coach D.J. Sanchez announced Thursday the hiring of her new assistant coach, Ryan Wondrasek.
Wondrasek previously worked with Coach Sanchez at St. Gregory's University, where he helped the Cavaliers become one of the top offensive and defensive teams in the country.
Last season, the Cavaliers dominated the national statistical charts. St. Gregory's was fourth nationally in batting average (.354) and were in the top 10 in seven other offensive categories.
"Ryan will be a tremendous asset to our program because of his energy and knowledge of the game, and his tireless work ethic on the recruiting trail," said Sanchez. "Coach Wondrasek is an individual of high character, and I am confident that he will have a positive impact on our program."
During the 2014 season, Wondrasek helped the Cavaliers to multiple statistical improvements, including program-best marks in batting average (.362), total bases (925), RBIs (419), hits (636) and runs (482). With Wondrasek's help, the Cavaliers captured their first regular season Sooner Athletic Conference title and advanced to the NAIA Softball World Series in 2014.
In 2013, the Cavalier offense was ranked among the nation's best in triples (11), runs scored per game (5.9), runs batted in per game (5.3), total hits (431), average (.321), total runs scored (308), slugging percentage (.489), total RBIs (275) and home runs per game (0.85). The Cavalier defense had the nation's fourth-best fielding percentage at .968.
Prior to St. Gregory's, Wondrasek spent five years serving as a varsity assistant baseball coach and catching instructor at Norman North High School. Under his guidance, Norman North produced back-to-back Oklahoma All-State catchers in 2011 and 2012.
"Ryan has a great passion for the game, and it shines through in his coaching style," said Sanchez. "I couldn't be more excited that he is going to be a part of our program."
Wondrasek graduated from Oklahoma in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in general studies. He is currently working on his master's degree in sports administration at East Central Oklahoma University.
