UO softball coach named NFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon softball announced Wednesday that associate head coach Sam Marder is the first Duck to win the 2025 Easton/NFCA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year.

“Sam has played a crucial role in helping to build the Oregon softball program. I cannot think of a better or more deserving recipient of this honor,” said Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi.

“She is a tireless worker who knows how to get the most out of everyone she coaches.

Over the season, UO set or tied six offensive season records, including runs, scoring, RBIs, total bases (970), sacrifice flies (25) and stolen bases. They also had the second-best mark in Oregon history in hits, triples, home runs and walks.

They ranked third nationally in hits (583), fourth in scoring (7.67 runs per game), fifth in RBIs (438), eighth in batting average (.345), and second in stolen bases (175).

Marder is joined by four athletes who made the 2025 NFCA All-Region and All-Big Ten teams (Kai Luschar, Kedre Luschar, Rylee McCoy and Paige Sinicki). As well as three players who were on the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team (Stefini Ma’ake, Kaylynn Jones, and McCoy)