Joe Witten Named IU Southeast Softball Head Coach
NEW ALBANY, Ind. - Joe Witten has been hired as the second fast-pitch softball coach in IU Southeast history, IU Southeast Athletic Director Joe Glover announced today.
"I certainly would like to thank the search committee, athletic staff and all IU Southeast administrative staff for this opportunity," Witten said. "I am excited about the team that is in place and will work tirelessly to maintain the standard of excellence both academically and athletically that this University strives for every day."
Witten spent 10 seasons as the head softball coach at Floyd Central High School leading the Highlanders to unprecedented success.
"We are extremely pleased to have Joe Witten join our staff and to provide leadership for our softball program here at IU Southeast," said Athletic Director Joe Glover. "He will ensure that our student-athletes achieve excellence both in the classroom and in competition."
"Coach Witten has a proven track record as an exceptional coach. He will be a welcome member to the IU Southeast family and an advocate for all current and past members of our softball program."
Floyd Central won five Hoosier Hills Conference championships, a regional title and made one appearance in the Indiana state final during Witten's tenure. He also was named District 5 Coach of the Year four times.
Four of Witten's players went on to play NCAA Division I sports at Ohio State, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Furman and University of Tennessee-Martin. Nineteen players went to play collegiate softball overall, and six players were named to academic all-state teams.
He finished his high school coaching career with a 222-82-4 record for a .721 winning percentage.
Witten played baseball at Eastern Kentucky University from 1995-1999. He was named to the Freshman All-America team in 1995. He remains the school record holder for single-season and career saves with 31. After graduating, Witten played in the Cape Cod League, the top-college summer league, with the Harwich Mariners in 1996 and 1997. He played professionally for the Frontier Leaguer's Springfield Capitals in 1998.
Joe lives in Sellersburg with his wife, Carmen, and their two sons, Brady and Briar.