Jennifer Bagley Trotter has been hired as St. Thomas’ first Division I softball coach, the athletics department announced Tuesday.

Trotter replaces John Tschida, who will return to coach at St. Mary’s in Winona, his alma mater.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Coach Trotter and her family to the St. Thomas community,” athletic director Phil Esten said in a statement. “As we made our way through the search process, Jennifer clearly emerged as the right person to lead our softball team as we embark on our Division I journey.”

Trotter comes from Division II Missouri Western State University, where she served as its coach for the past 20 years. Her teams at the St. Joseph, Mo. school had a 676-404 record over her tenure leading the program.

“I’m fired up to be given the opportunity to come home to Minnesota and become the next head coach for the Tommie softball program,” Trotter said in a statement. “John Tschida has had an incredible career of sustained success, and I have so much respect for the history of this program.

St. Thomas finished fifth nationally with a 33-10 record in 2021, its final Division III season. Trotter will lead the team into its first season in the Summit League in 2022.

Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.