Rick Noren, Head Coach

Rick Noren has compiled an outstanding 383-126-1 record in his 13 seasons as the Pacific Lutheran University fastpitch head coach. Noren has led eight of his PLU teams to national tournament competition. The Lutes made the 2002 NCAA III College World Series and finished in 4th place.

The Lutes made consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances with the 1996 team placing fifth and the 1997 team finishing third. Those same years, the Lutes won Northwest Conference and Pacific Northwest Regional titles. The 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 teams advanced to the NCAA Division III national tournament. In addition, eight PLU teams under Noren's guidance have garnered Northwest Conference championships.

The 1999 Lutes tied a school single-season record for wins in finishing 39-6. The 2002 team finished the season with the highest winning percentage in Division III, the highest team fielding percentage, the lowest team ERA, and pitcher Melissa Korb led the country in strikeouts. The 2003 squad again finished with the highest winning percentage in Division III and was listed among the national leaders in several other categories.

Prior to arriving at Pacific Lutheran, Noren was an assistant coach for the University of Washington in 1994 when the Huskies reached NCAA postseason competition for the first time. Before that, Noren's Green River Community College team finished second in the 1990 NWAACC tournament. In addition to coaching at the collegiate level, he directed the Seattle Cobras summer softball program for several years. Noren conducts clinics for softball coaches and players throughout the Pacific Northwest each year. He attended Pacific Lutheran University for one year prior to receiving his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Western Washington University in 1987. He earned his master's degree in Athletic Administration from PLU in 1996.

Noren teaches physical education classes, coordinates student workers in the School of Physical Education and Athletic Department, and serves as the Athletic Facilities Director. Rick's wife, Leanne, has served as the PLU pitching coach. The Noren's, their sons Kyle and Joel and daughter Leah, live in Tacoma.

* - Includes one tie

Contact Info:
Head Coach Rick Noren
Memorial Gymnasium
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
Phone: (253) 535-7419
Email: norenre@plu.edu