Hawks News
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 - [Softball]

Oakland, CA - After four seasons Holy Names University's softball program will have a new head coach, Lisa R. Thuer a native of St. Louis, Missouri was recently hired by the Director of Athletics, Dennis Jones. Thuer replaces Melanie Gregor, who had been with the team four consecutive seasons leading them to two NAIA national appearances since their inaugural season in 2008.

Thuer comes to Holy Names with head coaching experience after working with the Mac Murray College Highlanders in Jacksonville, Illinois. Thuer served as an assistant in 2009 under former head coach, Shelley Whitaker (now at Whittier College in Whittier, California) and as the head coach in the 2010 season. In 2011, Lisa joined the coaching staff at HNU and also served as the head coach at Oakland Military Institute in Oakland, CA.
 
"Lisa has been an important part of the HNU Community and our softball program over this past season. Her experience as a head coach, understanding of the mission of the university and department of athletics, and connection to the student athletes, will serve to make the transition seamless…. We are truly lucky to have her," states, Jones.
 
Prior to her appointment at HNU, Thuer also served at MacMurray as their Senior Woman Administrator and as an Assistant Professor of Social Work teaching classes in sociology and social work. During this time, Lisa created & implemented the College's Gender Equity Plan and was responsible for ensuring NCAA DIII Compliance within the Athletics department. In the classroom, Lisa worked with her students helping them to expand their thinking in relation to issues of social justice around the world.
 
From 2007-2011, Lisa acted as an Athletic Coach & Fitness Instructor at YMCAs in St. Louis, MO and Jacksonville, IL. She is Personal Training, Spinning, & American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED certified. Thuer continues to teach Spinning in San Leandro, CA.
 

Prior to beginning her professional career, Lisa played softball and ran cross country at the NCAA Division II and III levels. She holds memberships with the National Association of College Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

In addition to fulfilling her passion of athletic activities, Lisa worked as an advocate for women in need. She provided a variety of social services in her community, including service to homeless women, victims of intimate partner abuse, women facing deportation and women in crisis pregnancies.

Coach Thuer is dedicated to raising awareness around the issues of gender equity, racism, sexism, and heterosexism and their relation to athletic and academic opportunities for student athletes. In addition to her coaching duties Thuer also holds the title of Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Woman's Administrator.
 
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of women. I have every intention of coaching and mentoring each member of the team, guiding her to excel athletically and academically. I am dedicated to ensuring that these women grow from their experience as a student athlete and develop into strong and confident members of the community. I thankful to the Holy Name's faculty and staff, my coaching staff and my personal support system who will support me in my path to providing this foundation and experience to the Hawk program," said Thuer. 
 

Coach Thuer earned Bachelors degrees from MacMurray College, one in Social Work and one in Religion. Additionally, she has a Masters of Social Work from George Warren Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis, Missouri. Coach Thuer is working on a second master degree in Education at Holy Names University.

 

 

 

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