The University of Dubuque has announced Joshua Keener as the Spartans new head softball coach. He is the 15th coach in school history and joins the Spartans after completing five seasons at Rockford University. He replaces Jeff Lamb, who resigned after four seasons to be named the Activities Director at Ford Madison High School in his hometown of Fort Madison, Iowa.
“We are excited to welcome Joshua Keener into the Spartan family as our next head softball coach at the University of Dubuque,” commented Dan Runkle. Coach Keener brings the passion and enthusiasm to our softball program which will allow the Spartans to follow up on last season’s A-R-C championship.”
“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to lead the Spartans Softball program,” stated Joshua Keener. “I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation laid by former Coach Jeff Lamb. I would like to thank Dan Runkle, Wendi Wipperfurth for their time and consideration in the hiring process, and a thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Bullock for allowing me to join the UD family.”
At Rockford University, Keener brought a wealth of knowledge to the RU softball program. As an assistant baseball coach at both the NCAA Division III and junior college levels, Keener spent five years as an assistant baseball coach at Rockford University and prior to that, was an assistant at Rock Valley College for two seasons.
In 2021, the RU softball program earned its first berth in school history to the NACC Tournament and also recorded the first NACC Tournament win in program history. The softball program set numerous school records during the 2021 season, including home runs and stolen bases in a season.
During his time with Rockford, Keener was an integral part to the success of the baseball program. Rockford earned multiple berths in the conference tournament throughout his tenure, including finishing as high as fourth place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. His responsibilities on staff included working as the team's assistant hitting coach, as well as coaching both the infielders and outfielders. Off the field, Keener was responsible for assisting with the recruiting efforts of the program and organizing and running camps.
Prior to Rockford at Rock Valley, Keener served as the first base coach, along with working with both the outfielders and the hitters. He also helped run both youth camps and high school showcases.
He takes over the UD program which claimed it’s first conference title in the school’s history in 2022 after tying with Buena Vista University for the 2022 American Rivers Conference Championship with a 10-6 record. The past four seasons, UD has an overall record of 83-45.
Keener is a native of the Rockford area, graduating from Hononegah Community High School in 2009. He earned his associate's degree from Rock Valley College, before earning his bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in accounting and his MBA from Rockford University.
He currently resides in Dubuque with his wife, Morgan, and their cat, Howard, and dog, Maxwell.
