Central Michigan University Athletics
Jonker Given Four-Year Contract
8/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MOUNT PLEASANT – Central Michigan University softball coach Margo Jonker has received a four-year contract from the university, Athletics Director Dave Heeke has announced.
Jonker, who has coached CMU for the past 27 years, will now be under contract through June 2010. The Chippewas have won 11 Mid-American Conference titles and made 13 trips to the NCAA Tournament during her tenure. CMU claims one visit each to the AIAW National Championships (1982) and the NCAA Women’s College World Series (1987) under Jonker.
“We are pleased to have Margo Jonker continuing to lead our softball program,” Heeke said. “She is dedicated to the coaching profession and has built one of the most respected programs in the country. I’m pleased we can make this strong commitment to her and the softball program at CMU.”
In addition to a base salary, Jonker could receive performance-based incentives for a MAC regular season or tournament title, NCAA regional championship, NCAA super regional championship or Women’s College World Series championship.
“I’m excited that CMU’s administration has confidence in our program,” Jonker said. “I look forward to directing CMU softball in the coming years. I see CMU Athletics making great strides under Dave Heeke’s leadership and appreciate the progress toward multi-year coaching contracts.”
Jonker took over CMU’s softball program in 1980 and since has recorded over 900 career wins to rank in the top 15 in NCAA Division I softball history. She was named National Coach of the Year in 1987 and has been tabbed MAC Coach of the Year nine times.
The Holland, Mich. native is a member of four Halls of Fame, including the prestigious National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame (inducted in 2003).
In 2000, Jonker served as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning USA Olympic team.
CMU holds the MAC records for most championships, tournament championships, victories and best winning percentage. Every four-year player at CMU has earned at least one MAC championship ring. Other notable accomplishments include eight All-America selections, three Academic All-Americans, six MAC Players of the
Year, two MAC Pitchers of the Year and a 2005 victory over No. 1-ranked and eventual national champion Michigan.
Jonker’s career record at CMU is now 915-509-5.
