Margo's home
By Don Helinski, ’96
Legendary CMU softball coach Margo Jonker added another honor to her lengthy résumé on April 19. CMU renamed its softball complex Margo Jonker Stadium during a ceremony prior to the Chippewas’ 5-0 win over Akron.
“This is a dream that I could have not imagined when I started my coaching career,” Jonker says. “I am honored personally, but many individuals have had a hand in the success of CMU softball. I have been blessed with great players, and the program has been fortunate to be supported by a lot of great people, including administrators and members of the community.”
Nearly 40 former players, university administrators, family, and friends of Coach Jonker participated in an on-the-field ceremony, and a postgame reception took place at the stadium.
A capital campaign raised more than $250,000 for the naming rights and improvements to the stadium. The enhancements, including a new backstop and permanent seating, will be made this summer.
Jonker just wrapped up her 29th season as head coach of the Chippewas. She has led CMU to more than 950 career victories, 11 Mid-American Conference titles, and 13 trips to the NCAA Tournament. She was honored as the 1987 National Coach of the Year and nine times has been tabbed MAC Coach of the Year. Jonker is a member of several halls of fame, including the prestigious National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She was an assistant coach on USA Softball’s 2000 gold medal-winning Olympic team.•
