OUAZ Athletics

Justine Wichman took over as head coach of the OUAZ softball team in the fall of 2018 and in two seasons the Spirit have put together a 26-40 record while improving their winning percentage each season. In the 2020 season, Wichman directed the Spirit to a 10-13 overall record and three wins over nationally-ranked opponents. They were in position to qualify for the GSAC Tournament for the first time when the season was cut short due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Wichman was the OUAZ pitching coach and recruiting coordinator in the program’s first season before taking over as head coach. Prior to OUAZ, she was head coach at Wright State where she guided the Raiders to a 21-31 overall record and a third-place finish in the Horizon League. Before her time at Wright State, Wichman spent a pair of seasons as the assistant softball coach at the University of Charleston (WV).

Prior to joining the UC staff, Wichman had given individual pitching, hitting, and fielding instruction. Her experience includes working as softball director for camps in New York State where she met her mentor, Michael Baker. Wichman credits Baker, a veteran scout, and coach in professional baseball, with inspiring her to teach skills with character.

Wichman began her coaching career as a fifth-year student at York College where she was the assistant softball coach and had privileged responsibilities which included recruiting and creating practices. Wichman was primarily in charge of hitting, outfielders, pitchers, and conditioning this past season while also overseeing compliance, developing workout schedules, and providing leadership by establishing, and enforcing team regulations.

A native of Red Rock, Oklahoma. Wichman was a five-sport letter winner before graduating from Enid High School. She went on to play college softball at Northern Oklahoma College, completing an associate's degree magna cum laude in Physical Sciences. She played a year at Rogers State University before finishing her softball career, coaching endorsement, and bachelor's degree in Sports Management with a 3.7 GPA at York College in Nebraska in 2014.

Wichman earned her master’s degree in Strategic Leadership and currently resides in Surprise with her husband, Kyle Wichman, and their son, Grady.