Hall of Fame
Linda Draft arrived on campus in 1977 and has served the university in numerous capacities. She has been the volleyball coach (1977-82), the softball coach (1977-92), as a clinical associate professor (1977-current), the athletic director (1991-96), and compliance coordinator (1977-2007). In 1990, Linda was named the National Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Coach of the Year after the Rangers finished fourth at nationals that season. Her softball teams won the NAIA District 14 championship 10 out of 11 years of participation. They were Bi-District champions six times and made eight national tournament appearances. Each year, at least one Ranger was named All-American while she amassed 356 career victories.This is not the first Hall of Fame Linda has graced, thanks in part, to her vast softball coaching accomplishments. In 1991, she became a charter member of the National Fastpitch Softball Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1992, she was inducted into the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame, followed by induction to the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1993. She served both the NAIA and the NCAA as a member of their respective softball rules committees, was part of the 1987 USA Pan American Softball team selection committee, and was asked to serve as a member of the USA Olympic team selection committee for the 1996 Olympic Games. Linda was instrumental in planning for the addition to the then Physical Education building. The remodeling and addition is now known as the Sports and Activity Center featuring the Petretti Fieldhouse. A sought after speaker as a result of her athletic and community involvement, Linda was awarded the UW-Parkside Academic Staff Distinguished Service Award in 2000. She has been a mentor of students and staff at UW-Parkside for decades.
