JOLIET, Ill. -- University of St. Francis and director of athletics
Dave Laketa have announced
Mike Kaddatz as the new head coach of the Fighting Saints softball program. He becomes the eighth head coach in the 47-year history of the program, replacing
Alyssa Moreno, who stepped down from the position in July.
"Mike believes that this is a position that he was called to do and the search committee felt the same way following his in-person interview," said Laketa. "He brings a wealth of energy to a game that he truly loves and a caring concern for the students that he coaches."
Prior to taking over the reins, Kaddatz served as an assistant coach at USF each of the past two seasons. During those campaigns, St. Francis went 58-36, which included last season's 38-win mark.
"Keeping consistency is a crucial element to continued success in a program and we feel that by moving Mike up to the head coaching position that we will maintain that winning culture," added Laketa. "It has been a recipe for success that has carried through the program from Day 1 47 years ago."
Prior to joining the Fighting Saints staff, Kaddatz served as a head or assistant coach in various sports at the high school level in the states of Wisconsin, Georgia and Arizona, winning numerous state championships. While serving as an associate head softball coach at Desert Vista High School (Ariz.), he helped guide those teams to 208 wins in 11 years with advancement to the postseason each season.
Alongside coaching within the high school ranks, Kaddatz also coached at all levels (12u-18u gold) of the L'il Saints Fastpitch Club out in Arizona for 12 seasons.
An all-state catcher in high school, Kaddatz attended Carthage College for two years before joining the U.S. Army. During his five years as a Specialist, he also played on the all-Army Softball Team and represented the United States in Japan.
From there, the Arizona State University graduate took on a position with the City of Phoenix Police Department. In his time there, he served as a patrol officer and detective for 27 years before retiring.
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