The Windsor Lancers are pleased to announce the hiring of Francine Stadler as the new head coach of the Lancer softball program.
 
A familiar face with the blue and gold, Stadler played a key role in creating the Lancer softball program and was a member of the team's original coaching staff back in 2003 as the infield/first base coach. She remained an assistant for four seasons until 2007.
 
"We are so pleased to welcome Francine back into the Lancer family," said director of athletics Stephanie White. "Her history with the program gives her a true understanding of what it means to be a Lancer, and her wealth of experience and knowledge is going to help elevate our program to the next level."
 
While with the Lancers, Stadler helped lead the team to their best finish in program history, claiming a silver medal at the provincial championships in 2004.
 
"I am very excited to be back with the Lancer softball team as their head coach. I am passionate about the sport, and I look forward to leading this team as we begin the 2023 season," said Stadler. "I was lucky to be a part of the original Lancer coaching staff, and on the 20th anniversary of the program I am hoping that the community will come out to our games to support the athletes as we celebrate this milestone."
 
A longtime member with the Windsor Wildcats organization, Stadler led the 2000 Bantam Tier 1 fastball team to a gold medal at the Ontario Summer games and the Ontario Provincial championships, as well as a silver medal at the Novice Tier 1 provincial championships.
 
Joining Stadler on the bench is Paula Stamatiadis, who is no stranger to the Lancer family. Stamatiadis helped create the program with Stadler and spent nine years as head coach of the team.
 
Jessica Hitchcock and Michelle Blokker will also team up with Stadler in the dugout. Hitchcock won three national championships with the Softball Canada Development program, while Blokker played for five years with the blue and gold from 2006-10, before transitioning to an assistant coach for three years from 2011-13.
 
Stay tuned to goLancers.ca for more information on the 2023 Lancer softball season as it becomes available.