Softball Matthew Eggen

Lynn Anderson Named 13th Head Coach of Bradley Softball

PEORIA, Ill. -- Lynn Anderson, a proven program builder with head coaching success and a strong background in player development, has been named the 13th head coach of the Bradley University Softball program, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds announced.

"Lynn is a winner and a proven leader," said Reynolds. "She has built successful programs, developed high-level student-athletes and made an immediate impact everywhere she has been from her time as a student-athlete to her career as a coach. We are excited to welcome her to Bradley and look forward to the future of our softball program under her leadership."

"I am honored to join Bradley University and the Peoria community," said Anderson. "Bradley has a distinguished tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and I look forward to adding value to our community, our university and our team. I want to take a moment to thank my SIUE family for their wholehearted support as I take this next step in my career. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chris Reynolds and the entire search committee for their belief in me and my vision for our softball program. I see an incredible amount of potential here with our student-athletes, and I'm excited to begin our work toward establishing Bradley Softball as a consistent championship contender in the MVC. Go Braves!"

Anderson arrives at Bradley after serving as an assistant coach at SIUE over the last two seasons. She helped the Cougars rise to the top of nearly every offensive and defensive category in Ohio Valley Conference play. In 2025, SIUE ranked near the top of the OVC in several offensive and defensive categories, highlighted by an OVC-best .327 batting average in conference play. The Cougars also set a school record with 45 home runs, while Emma Henderson hit 13 home runs – the most by a Cougar since SIUE moved to Division I. 

Prior to joining SIUE, Anderson spent three seasons as head coach at Minnesota Duluth, where the Bulldogs compiled 120 victories during her tenure. Minnesota Duluth posted a 41-15 record in her final season, and Anderson led the Bulldogs to 40 wins in two different campaigns. She also guided the program to the NSIC Tournament title in 2023, became the fastest coach in school history to reach 100 victories and helped develop the 2023 conference pitcher of the year.

Before Minnesota Duluth, Anderson served as head coach at Grinnell from 2019-21. In 2019, she led the Pioneers to 13 conference victories, setting the program's single-season conference wins record. In total, Anderson led the Pioneers to 22 conference wins in just 34 Midwest Conference contests.

Anderson also spent five seasons as an assistant coach at UW Oshkosh, working primarily with hitters and outfielders. During her tenure, the Titans made two consecutive NCAA Division III National Softball Tournament appearances and captured a regional title in 2017. UW Oshkosh compiled a 138-63 record during Anderson's time with the program, producing 14 All-Great Lakes Region selections, 26 All-Conference honorees and 50 Conference Scholastic Honor Roll selections.

Her coaching background also includes experience with the Milwaukee Brewers Summer Camp, a volunteer coaching position at the University of Wisconsin and a graduate assistant role at Valparaiso.

A former walk-on student-athlete at Wisconsin, Anderson lettered for four seasons as a shortstop for the Badgers. She was named team captain in 2008 and was later voted the team's Defensive Player of the Year. That season, she led Wisconsin in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage, while finishing second on the team in batting average, on-base percentage, runs scored, hits and RBIs.

Anderson finished her Wisconsin career tied for fourth in single-season home runs and fifth in career assists with 311. She was part of the 2005 Wisconsin team that made the program's third NCAA Division I National Softball Tournament appearance and was one of 34 women in the country invited to the USA Baseball Women's National Team Development Program in 2014.

A 2008 graduate of Wisconsin, Anderson earned bachelor's degrees in sociology and a criminal justice certificate. She later earned her master's degree in sports administration from Valparaiso in December 2011, graduating with the highest distinction.

QUOTES AROUND THE COUNTRY
 
"Lynn Anderson is the kind of coach who builds her credibility the right way, through consistent work, humility, and a willingness to learn. She doesn't cut corners. She puts in the hours, stays invested in the growth of her athletes, and shows up prepared. What separates Lynn is her mindset. She's not comfortable staying where she is, she actively seeks out answers, even when it requires stepping outside her comfort zone. That's rare. A lot of people say they want to grow; Lynn actually does the work to make it happen. She's paying her dues the right way, earning trust, gaining experience, and building a foundation that will last. Coaches like her don't just develop players, they elevate programs."

 - Larissa Anderson, Head Softball Coach at University of Missouri
 
"Bradley has landed a rising star in Lynn Anderson as the next Head Softball Coach. She is an experienced leader and proven winner at every level competitively, academically and culturally."

 - Josh Berlo, Vice Chancellor for Athletics at University of Denver; former University of Minnesota Duluth Athletic Director
 
"Lynn Anderson is recognized for developing competitive softball programs grounded in teamwork, discipline, and athlete growth. The strongest softball programs are built on trust, preparation, and players who believe in one another - values Coach Lynn Anderson brings to every team she leads."

 - Lori Meyer, Head Softball Coach (Ret.), Minnesota State University Mankato
 
"Lynn is one of the finest coaches I have had the pleasure of working alongside. She is a great teacher of the game and her attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work. In her first season with us, we led the conference in over 20 different statistical categories, mostly offense and due in large part to her tutelage. Lynn is able to break down high level strategies and movement patterns into easy-to-understand messaging. She can simplify the complex and teach the same skill in multiple ways. Lynn also has an innate ability to connect with today's student-athletes. I believe one of her best attributes is her ability to relate and empathize with a new generation of athletes. As a former Division I student-athlete herself, she has a unique perspective as her journey was far from ordinary. She's able to give insight and depth while keeping the focus on the student-athlete."

 - Ben Sorden, Head Softball Coach, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville