SAN ANTONIO —
Taylor Lira has been named the Head Softball Coach at St. Mary's University, the Department of Athletics announced on Wednesday.
"I am excited to welcome Taylor to the St. Mary's family to lead our Softball program," said Executive Director of Athletics
Robert Coleman. "We had some very strong candidates, and Taylor's energy and passion were evident early. She will provide the leadership to take our program forward. Taylor is a rising star in our minds, and we look forward to supporting her goals and aspirations as our head coach."
Lira, formerly Stoltz, has been the head coach at Sterling College in Kansas for the previous five seasons, and instilled a faith-based leadership coaching style that resonated with the Rattlers' community from the first moment.
She completed her master's degree in sports ministry from Sterling in May 2024, balancing coaching and attending school while earning a perfect 4.0 GPA.
"I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and honored to join the St. Mary's family," said Lira. "The Lord has been faithful, and I'm humbled to step into this new chapter. I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Winston Erevelles, Executive Director of Athletics
Robert Coleman, and the entire athletic staff for trusting me with this role. I'm excited to lead a program with such a strong tradition and history of excellence. I look forward to building relationships with alumni and investing deeply in our female student-athletes, both on and off the field."
Lira turned around a floundering program at Sterling College in five seasons as the head coach. The team was 10-32 in her first season (2021), and she has increased the number of wins each season to post a 37-19 record in 2025 and take her team to the semifinals of the NCCAA World Series after winning the Central Region, earning NCCAA Central Region Coach of the Year. The Lady Warriors posted a 12-game winning streak during the season, the longest in over 20 years, and had four players earn First-Team All-Central Region honors in the NCCAA. In 2022-23, Sterling Softball received the NAIA Champions of Character Team Award for its exemplary character on the field, on campus, and in the community.
"I always tell our coaches that we want them to do so well that a bigger program comes after them," said Vice President for Athletics at Sterling College, Scott Downing. "I always knew Taylor had it in her. She took on a huge challenge here and has been a great representative for the college. She's fiery, spirited and tough on the field, but she's the sister everyone wants to have off it. If there's anyone who can make the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II successfully, it's
Taylor Lira."
She spent two years as an assistant coach at Barton County Community College prior to becoming the head coach at Sterling, helping lead the Cougars to a second-place finish in the Jayhawk East standings with a 20-6 record. Head Coach Tyler Gunelson was named Co-Coach of the Year in 2019 with Lira at his side. At Barton County, Lira organized an optional Bible study with the team to help foster spiritual growth with the student-athletes.
Lira played collegiately at Southeastern University (Florida). She still holds the Fire career record for walks drawn (89) and ranks in the top five in both runs scored (4th) and triples (5th). She was a two-time The Sun All-Conference selection, leading the team with 26 stolen bases and a .318 batting average as a freshman. She added 36 steals in 2016 and led the team in both runs scored and walks. In her final campaign, Lira led the team in walks and on-base percentage (.510). She graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports and recreation management in May 2017.
Lira is originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, where she recorded a 49-game hitting streak at Mishawaka High School. She earned the 2013 Shelly Warner Award for the top female student-athlete after earning four Northern Indiana All-Conference selections. She was also named to the All-State team, was MVP of the conference and played in the ICGSA North/South All-Star Game.
Lira becomes the sixth head coach in St. Mary's history, taking over a team that finished 26-29 last season and 21-23 in the extremely tough Lone Star Conference.
"I am committed to building a softball program rooted in Christ, with excellence in both academics and competition," Lira stated. "My heart is to develop strong women who lead with character, discipline, and purpose. My husband, David and I are excited to make the move to San Antonio and become part of the St. Mary's community."
The University would like to thank Dr. Kurt Patberg of Mammoth Sports Consulting for his assistance during the search.
