Christian Brothers University Director of Athletics
Donna Crone announced Tara Wheeler as the ninth Head Softball Coach in program history, on Wednesday June 22. Wheeler comes to CBU after spending two seasons at Colorado School of Mines.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tara to the CBU family," said Crone. "Her head coaching experience, focus on high academic standards and decorated playing career were qualities that convinced us she was the right fit to lead our program."
In two seasons (2020-2021), as Interim Head Coach, Wheeler led the Orediggers to a 31-24-1 record, including a 22-12-1 mark in 2021. The 2021 team finished 20-10-1 to earn a fourth place standing in the competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).
"It is an honor to be selected as the next head coach of the Christian Brothers softball program" said Wheeler. "I would like to thank
Donna Crone for the opportunity to be a part of CBU and to lead the Lady Bucs. Being on campus felt like home, and my family and I are excited for this new journey!"
Under Wheeler, Mines had five players earn All-RMAC honors, including All-Region selection Kylie Redding. In 2021, three Orediggers were named to the RMAC All-Academic Teams. Wheeler also helped guide the RMAC Woman of the Year, RMAC Academic Player of the Year and RMAC Summit Award winner. The 2021 team finished with its highest batting average (.318) and slugging percentage (.463) in the last five seasons.
Mines finished the shortened 2020 season with a 9-12 mark, including a 6-6 mark in RMAC play. The schedule included contests against three ranked opponents, including No. 1 Augustana. Following the 2020 season, shortstop Clara Larson was named First Team Academic All-American.
Before serving the 2019 season as an assistant coach at Mines, Wheeler spent two seasons at Metropolitan State University of Denver where she served two stints as an assistant coach (August 2010 - June 2012, August 2014 - July 2016). While at Metro State, Wheeler helped guide the Roadrunners to the 2016 RMAC Tournament Championship and regular season crowns in 2011 and 2015. The Roadrunners advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the three seasons.
The Wheat Ridge Colo., native had a decorated playing career, spending time at Metro State and Purdue Fort Wayne. While at Fort Wayne, the former Tara Mickelson was a First Team All-Summit League selection (2008), as well as a member of the Summit League All-Tournament Team. As a freshman, Wheeler earned Second Team All-Independent honors and was named to the All-Independent Newcomer Team.
Wheeler spent two highly decorated seasons at Metro State, where she was a 2009 First Team All-American, 2010 Second Team All-American, two-time All-Region selection and a two-time All-RMAC honoree. In 2010, Wheeler helped guide the Roadrunners to the College World Series where she was named to the All-Tournament Team, while also finishing as the NCAA Divison II leader with 25 home runs. Her 25 round-trippers tied an RMAC single season record. Wheeler finished her collegiate career as a .363 hitter with 54 home runs and 188 RBIs.
Wheeler graduated from Northeastern State University in 2014 with a degree in general studies. She is married to Steve Wheeler. They have three sons.
