Former Yellow Jacket Jordan Osborne takes the helm as DC’s next softball head coach

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College softball program will continue to be led by a former player and alumna as Jordan Osborne takes over as head coach, the DC athletic department announced on Monday.

Osborne attended Defiance College from 2015-19 and spent four years on the Yellow Jackets softball team. She finished her career as the program's all-time leader in hits with 177 and runs at 108 (which has since been bettered by Kalin Hubble) and a three-time All-HCAC performer while hitting .358 over 151 career games. During her time with the program, the Yellow Jackets had three winning seasons, compiled a record of 86-70, and played in three HCAC tournaments. In addition to softball, Osborne played two seasons on the DC football team and appeared in 11 total games as a kicker, converting 13 of 17 extra-point attempts. In addition to numerous on-field accomplishments, Osborne was recognized as Academic All-HCAC three times and a three-time Academic All-American honoree by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

After she completed bachelor's degrees in English and pre-law at Defiance, Osborne spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Mary in Bismark, N.D. The last two years of her coaching career were spent as the assistant coach for Purdue Northwest while the Lions set program records for victories each year (27-17 in 2022 and 33-22 in 2023).

"I am so honored to be chosen as the next head softball coach at Defiance College," says Osborne. "As an alumna and fan of DC Athletics, it feels like I'm coming home. I cannot thank my support system and mentors enough for their love and guidance. I am beyond excited to get the team back on campus and get to work!"

Osborne takes over for her former DC softball teammate and coach Megan Warren, who departed for the head coaching position at Wilmington College. Warren held the post for five seasons and compiled a record of 79-87-1 with three appearances in the HCAC tournament.

"We are excited to have Jordan complete our head coaching staff. It was really important to find someone as passionate about the program as our previous head coach," says Defiance Athletic Director Tiffani Selhorst. "With Coach Osborne's experience as an assistant coach, becoming the next head coach at Defiance College became a natural step."

Since softball became an official varsity sport at Defiance, the Yellow Jackets have made four NCAA tournament appearances, won seven conference championships, and 14 20-win seasons.

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