Beth returns for her Sixteenth season as the head coach of the Vanguard University softball program. The program has made four appearances at the NAIA National Tournament with the most recent begin 2007. The Lions are coming off a disappointing 26-32 season in 2011, but a third straight postseason appearance in the GSAC Tournament where they lost in a best of three series with GSAC Champion California Baptist.
Renkoski took over the reigns in 1997 after serving as an assistant since 1991 and will be entering her 22nd year with the Vanguard softball program. Now, after 15 seasons directing the program, she has led the Lions to two Far West Regional Championships, two Golden State Athletic Conference Championships and three national appearances, including fifth place finishes at the NAIA National Tournament in 1998 and 1999. She has twice been named the GSAC's Coach of the Year (1999 and 2007), and begins the 2011 season with an overall record of 478-359-3 at Vanguard.
Renkoski has an extensive softball background as a coach and a player. She was an All-Region and All-American catcher/third baseman for Crowder College (Missouri), and All-Conference and All-Region selection while playing at Nicholls State University (Louisiana). After receiving her Bachelors degree from Nicholls State University in Business in 1987, she played two seasons in the Italian Softball League.
In addition to her coaching experience at Vanguard University, she has helped coach the Athletes in Action club team. She also has helped provide many national and international clinics as a player or coach under the direction of AIA and Competitive Edge International.
"I enjoy the opportunity to coach at Vanguard," says Renkoski. "It is a great place for a student-athlete to participate in a very competitive collegiate athletic program, while obtaining a quality education in a Christian environment. The student-athlete has the opportunity to grow in all aspects of their lives."
At VU, Renkoski is also an Associate Athletic Director in charge of Sports Information. She is single and lives in Santa Ana.
Sony begins her 21st year as an assistant coach in the softball program at Vanguard University. Although she assists in all facets of the program, her biggest responsibility is developing the pitchers and organizing the recruiting process for the Vanguard Lions. A great deal of the success of the program has been due to her ability to develop and recruit quality pitchers. Also directing the strength and conditioning program for the Lions, Mitchell has been a tremendous asset to the program over the years. A primary constant within the softball program for more than two decades, she has played a part in five GSAC Championships, two Regional titles, and four NAIA National appearances with the Lions.
Mitchell received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in Leisure Studies and Service in 1987. She was a four-year starting pitcher and outfielder for the Ducks, and has played or coached on many Athletes In Action or Competitive Edge International ministry teams over the years. She has been a head coach at the high school level in Oregon and played one season in the Italian Softball League.
"I love the sport and competitiveness of softball. Coaching at VU has afforded me the joy of seeing personal and spiritual growth in our athletes in a real family setting."
Sony and her husband Bill are proud parents of a twelve-year old daughter, Mackenzie, and a nine and one-half year old son Riley. The Mitchells live in Costa Mesa.
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