Photo by: Paul Hokanson / UB Athletics
UB Athletics Announces Retirement of Softball Head Coach Mike Ruechel
5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo Athletics announced the retirement of softball head coach Mike Ruechel on Monday. Ruechel spent eight seasons at UB, including the last seven as head coach.
"We'd like to thank Coach Ruechel for his service and dedication to the UB softball program," UB Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt said. "Mike was committed to developing our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We wish him and his family the best in this next chapter of their lives."
Ruechel came to Buffalo in 2018 as an assistant coach and served as interim head coach for the 2019 campaign. The interim tag was removed prior to the 2020 season.
A native of Wisconsin, Ruechel won 99 games as the head coach at UB. He coached 13 All-MAC players, led by pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn who was the program's first four-time All-MAC selection.
In 2021, Ruechel led the Bulls to 16 Mid-American Conference victories – the most since joining the league in 2001. He led UB to 22 victories the following season – the fourth most overall wins in program history.
Additionally, 29 players were named Academic All-MAC during Ruechel's tenure, including a program-record seven honorees in 2022 and 2024.
Prior to Buffalo, Ruechel spent two seasons at Indiana Wesleyan University as assistant coach and hitting coach for the program. He helped the Wildcats earn their first national tournament berth in school history while also posting a program record for wins.
Ruechel also spent time as the hitting coach for the Lake Erie Crushers, Southeastern Illinois College and Judson University.
An announcement on the new leadership of the UB softball program will be made in the near future.
"We'd like to thank Coach Ruechel for his service and dedication to the UB softball program," UB Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt said. "Mike was committed to developing our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We wish him and his family the best in this next chapter of their lives."
Ruechel came to Buffalo in 2018 as an assistant coach and served as interim head coach for the 2019 campaign. The interim tag was removed prior to the 2020 season.
A native of Wisconsin, Ruechel won 99 games as the head coach at UB. He coached 13 All-MAC players, led by pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn who was the program's first four-time All-MAC selection.
In 2021, Ruechel led the Bulls to 16 Mid-American Conference victories – the most since joining the league in 2001. He led UB to 22 victories the following season – the fourth most overall wins in program history.
Additionally, 29 players were named Academic All-MAC during Ruechel's tenure, including a program-record seven honorees in 2022 and 2024.
Prior to Buffalo, Ruechel spent two seasons at Indiana Wesleyan University as assistant coach and hitting coach for the program. He helped the Wildcats earn their first national tournament berth in school history while also posting a program record for wins.
Ruechel also spent time as the hitting coach for the Lake Erie Crushers, Southeastern Illinois College and Judson University.
An announcement on the new leadership of the UB softball program will be made in the near future.
Players Mentioned
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