Heather Townsend has not only had a career coaching softball in Wisconsin, but she has also traveled to California to coach the Santa Paula High School volleyball team for two seasons.

Townsend has been the head coach for the UW-Platteville softball team for the past five seasons. Prior to UW-P, Townsend coached at UW-La Crosse for two seasons.

Coach Townsend was born in Amery. She attended UW-Green Bay for two years and majored in biology and played softball. Townsend transferred to UW-L and earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science with an emphasis in physical education teaching for Pre-K-12. She minored in coaching competitive athletics.

Townsend was living in California when her husband decided he wanted to move back to the Midwest. She started applying for jobs when she was hired at UW-P.

“The best thing about coaching softball here at UW-P is the interaction with the student athletes,” Townsend said. “They are academically driven and with their high academic achievements show great performance on the field.”

Outside of coaching and teaching, Townsend loves to play and just spend time with her family.

“The best thing about playing for coach Townsend is that she makes every player work hard in order to be successful as a team,” said Megan Pozezinksi, a sophomore civil engineering major and outfielder and third baseman. Pozezinksi has played for Townsend for two seasons.

“Coach Townsend has really helped my team and myself by teaching us to keep fighting; to not give up when we are down,” said Sam Nieman, a junior animal science major, who has been part of the team for three years.
The Pioneer’s first home game is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 30 against Beloit.