Muskingum University has announced that Interim Director of Athletics and Head Softball Coach Kari Winters ('08, '10G) has been named Director of Athletics.

Winters, the first full-time female director of athletics in Muskingum's history, has led the Muskingum softball program since 2011. She has guided the Muskies to two Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Regular-Season Championships, one OAC Tournament title, and one NCAA Regional appearance. She has twice been named OAC Coach of the Year. During her tenure, numerous Muskingum student-athletes have been recognized on the field and in the classroom with All-OAC, All-Central Region, and All-American accolades. In 2019, Winters was named Senior Women's Administrator and Compliance Director and represented Muskingum at OAC league meetings, and provided leadership in the areas of student-athlete and staff development.

"Following a national search that produced a strong field of candidates, Kari emerged as the natural leader to guide the Muskingum Athletic Department," said Muskingum President Sue Hasseler. "Kari's incredible passion for Muskingum and her proven leadership abilities within our Athletic Department, across our campus, and within the Ohio Athletic Conference are outstanding. I look forward to Muskie Athletics continuing to thrive under Kari's leadership."

"I want to thank President Hasseler and all those involved in the hiring process for trusting me with this leadership role," said Winters. "I look forward to supporting our staff in developing our student-athletes as competitors in all aspects of their adult lives. I am eager to work alongside our entire campus community as we continue to build a culture of excellence at Muskingum."

During her collegiate tenure at Muskingum, Winters, a standout catcher, powered the Muskies to an average of 40 wins per season and a .875 winning percentage in OAC play. She ended her stellar career as a two-time NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-American, two-time Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and four-time first-team all-league honoree. She helped lead the nationally-ranked Muskies to four OAC Championships, three NCAA Regional Championships, and three NCAA Division III World Series appearances.

Winters graduated from Muskingum in 2008 with a B.A. in health/physical education. She completed her M.A.E. in adult education from Muskingum in 2010. Winters married Dominick Winters in 2013, and the couple resides in New Concord with their son, Reid, daughter, Kallie, son, Carter and daughter Remi.