Manchester University

Sara Emerich was named head softball coach at Manchester University in 2021 and has quickly guided the Spartans into a competitive and consistent program within the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). Under her leadership, Manchester has regularly contended for postseason play while emphasizing both athletic and academic success.

Emerich’s teams have shown steady growth, highlighted by multiple 20-win seasons and frequent appearances in the HCAC Tournament. Most recently, she led the Spartans to a 15-24 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play, earning the program a sixth-place finish and another postseason berth. Her teams have consistently produced All-HCAC performers, including first-team honorees like Lizzy Willis and standout contributors such as Kendal Rider and Kaitlyn Carr, along with a strong presence on academic all-conference teams.

A hallmark of Emerich’s tenure has been player development and offensive production. During a breakthrough season, Manchester posted a 23–20 record and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2018, while setting a school record with 353 hits. That campaign also earned Emerich HCAC Coach of the Year honors, recognizing both the team’s success and its upward trajectory. Across her time leading the program, the Spartans have consistently featured all-conference players at multiple class levels, including impact freshmen, underscoring the program’s depth and recruiting strength.

Emerich has also placed a strong emphasis on academics and sportsmanship. Her teams have regularly filled the HCAC All-Academic squad, with double-digit honorees in multiple seasons, along with Academic All-District selections. Student-athletes have also been recognized for their character and sportsmanship, reflecting the culture she has built within the program.

Before becoming head coach, Emerich brought significant familiarity with Manchester softball through two stints as an assistant coach. From 2013 to 2017, she helped guide the Spartans to 60 wins while coaching multiple All-HCAC performers and a pair of conference Freshmen of the Year. After gaining additional experience as an assistant coach at Quincy University, she returned to Manchester in 2019 as associate head coach before being elevated to the top role.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Emerich has served in athletic administration, including multiple terms as Manchester’s Senior Woman Administrator.

As a student-athlete, Emerich played collegiately at West Liberty University, where she was an Academic All-American. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Liberty in 2013 and later completed a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2016.

* Last Updated - June 1, 2026