Veteran Providence Catholic Softball Coach Biesterfield Retires

NEW LENOX, IL — After 17 years and a school-record 358 victories, Providence Catholic softball coach Jay Biesterfield will retire from his role, saying that it is the right time to move on to a new adventure, the school announced Friday.

Biesterfield coached the Celtics to a regional championship this season — the fifth title that Providence Catholic won with Biesterfield at the helm. Biesterfield compiled a .629 winning percentage and led the Celtics to third place finishes in the state tournament in 2012 and 2018. Three times, the led Providence Catholic to 29-win seasons while winning regional championships in 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018 in addition to this year’s championship.

The Celtics also won sectional championships in 2012 and 2019 and were crowned GCAC Red Conference champions in 2019.

Coaching at Providence over the last 17 years has been an incredible experience,” Biesterfeld said in a news release. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented athletes and coaches and be a part of a successful program at all levels. I’ve been blessed to lead athletes with so much heart and passion for the game. This year was such a different year and yet these young women came out to play, worked hard all season, and ended as regional champions.

“It was not an easy decision, but it is the right time for me to move onto a new adventure. I have no doubt that the girls returning as seniors next year will lead, encourage, and help build the program for those coming onto the varsity team.”

Biesterfield also established a track record of developing college-level players. During his tenure, Celtics players have gone on to play collegiately at places like the University of Arkansas, Loyola-Chicago, DePaul, Florida Atlantic, Lewis University, Oklahoma State, Saint Leo University, Carson-Newman, Colgate, Olivet Nazarene, Eastern Illinois, Carthage College, Lawrence University, St Mary's University and Lake Forest College.

“Jay has been a true leader and exemplary coach at Providence Catholic High School,” athletic director Doug Ternik said in a statement released by the school. “We thank him for his continued leadership, his dedication to the program, and wish him well in the future.”

Ternik announced that he will conduct a search for the next softball coach soon.