Jonker signs contract extension, adds four new recruits for 2011
Updated: 4:15 a.m. Wednesday
The highest tenured Central Michigan coach isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Softball head coach Margo Jonker and Central Michigan University agreed Thursday to a four-year contract extension. Under the new deal, Jonker will remain at CMU through the 2014 season.
She will be paid $113,750 next season.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to continue coaching softball at Central Michigan. I appreciate the support that the administration has shown with the multi-year contract. I hope to continue to bring pride and winning ways for the Chippewas softball program and represent the university as a whole in a very positive light on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Jonker, the 11th winningest coach in NCAA Division 1 history, currently holds a 1005-599-5 record in 31 seasons at CMU. She ranks first in the Mid-American Conference with 451 wins in conference play.
During her time in Mount Pleasant, Jonker has led the Chippewas to 11 MAC championships, nine MAC Tournament titles and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two College World Series appearances.
She has been named MAC Coach of the Year nine times and earned NCAA Coach of the Year honors in 1987 after leading CMU to a 37-14 record.
The Chippewas rebounded from a 12-31 overall record in 2009 – only the second losing season during Jonker’s tenure – with a 27-19 record and finished second in the MAC West Division. After winning its first game of the MAC Tournament, CMU was eliminated following consecutive losses against Kent State and Miami (OH).
New recruits
Jonker also recently added four new recruits to her 2011 roster, including two who earned first-team all state honors in 2010.
Outfielders Lauren Bowman (Jenison H.S.) and Danielle Cabrera (La Serna H.S., Calif.), first baseman/pitcher Karly Hansen (Mount Pleasant Sacred Hart H.S.) and utility player Brittney Horan (Mount Pleasant H.S.) will join the Chippewas next season.
Bowman was named first-team all-state this year by The Detroit News and earned honorable mention all-state in 2009. She holds Jenison High School’s record for stolen bases, including swiping 47 bases this season.
Horan, who plays second base and outfield, was named first-team all-state in 2010 and nominated for the Miss Michigan Softball award. She set single-season school records at Mount Pleasant for doubles (21) and triples (13).
Hansen was named first-team all-state in 2009 and received honorable mention in 2010. She holds Sacred Hart records in ERA (1.33), strikeouts (833), RBI (131) and doubles (42).
