ASHLAND — Cheyenne Bricker, a staple of the Southern Oregon University softball program over last decade, was named the 2022 Easton NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year on Thursday by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Bricker received the honor based on a vote by her peers. The Raider alum’s playing career ended in 2015, and she joined head coach Jessica Pistole’s staff a year later at the start of the most successful era in team history.
She was previously recognized for being part of NFCA NAIA Coaching Staffs of the Year after SOU captured national championships in 2019 and ‘21. The Raiders went 49-14 last spring, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the sixth consecutive postseason.
“Cheyenne has been instrumental in helping to build every part of our program over the last six years,” Pistole said. “She is passionate about developing strong women and walking with them through their journey at SOU and beyond. We are all so fortunate to have someone who makes us better every day and can also take on whatever role is needed on and off the field.”
Bricker has been particularly instrumental in the development of SOU’s pitchers. The Raiders have ranked top-two among Cascade Conference team in earned-run average four of her five seasons on staff and produced the NFCA NAIA Pitcher of the Year, Gabby Sandoval, in 2019.
A product of Bieber, Calif., Bricker also serves as the eligibility coordinator for the SOU athletic department. In 2020 she was Pistole’s top assistant at the University of San Diego, helping the Toreros go 15-12 in the abbreviated season.
Cheyenne Bricker, SOU softball assistant coach