Oakland Softball Names Chris Stelma as New Head Coach

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University Athletics is excited to announce Chris Stelma as their new Head Softball Coach.

"I am happy to welcome Chris to the Golden Grizzlies Athletics family," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. "From my initial conversation with Chris, his enthusiasm for coaching softball and helping student-athletes achieve athletic and personal success were evident. His coaching philosophy will build on the program's successes and continue its consistent, upward trajectory. I know he is excited to lead the Golden Grizzlies softball program, and I look forward to watching him lead the program to future successes on and off the field."

Stelma comes into the program on the heels of an eight-year tenure (2016-2024) at the helm of the Saint Peter's University Softball program. While the leader of Peacocks, Stelma saw a great deal of success, sitting second in all-time wins at Saint Peter's. As 2022 MAAC Coach of the Year, Stelma took a team that went 2-28 in 2021 and guided them to an unprecedented jump where they improved by 20 games to go 22-33 in 2022. He followed up in 2023 by leading the Peacocks to a 30-21 record, achieving the program's first back-to-back 20-win seasons and first 30-win season since 2002.

In a three-season stretch from 2022 to 2024, Stelma led his team to 68 wins, the most over a three-year span at Saint Peter's since 2003. In 2024 he also coached three All-Conference and an impressive nine MAAC All-Academic student-athletes as well.

"I am excited and honored to join the Oakland University athletic staff and to become a Golden Grizzly," said Stelma. "I would like to thank Steve Waterfield, Ashley Stone and the entire search committee for their support. I am also thankful for my time at Saint Peter's and the opportunity to work with so many great student athletes and people. Throughout each step of the interview process and my time on campus, I knew that Oakland University and the surrounding community is where I want to be. I am thrilled to join the Golden Grizzlies and am ready to get to work furthering the continued growth and success of the softball program."

Stelma hopes to set fire to the bats of the Golden Grizzlies this season. In 2024 the Peacocks ranked among the best offenses in the MAAC, ranking third in batting average, hits, triples, and slugging percentage, while ending the season tied for first in doubles.

Stelma will officially take the helm of the Golden Grizzlies beginning July 2, 2024 in hopes of guiding the Golden Grizzlies to another Horizon League Tournament run.

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