Iowa's New Softball Coach Aims for In-State Consistency

Stacy May-Johnson takes over the Hawkeyes program in her first season as head coach.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Stacy May-Johnson has taken over as the new head coach of the Iowa softball team. In her first season leading the Hawkeyes, May-Johnson is focused on building consistency and recruiting more in-state talent to the program.

Why it matters

Iowa has struggled with consistency in recent years, failing to make the NCAA tournament since 2020. May-Johnson's hiring represents an opportunity to revitalize the program and reconnect with local high school talent across the state.

The details

May-Johnson, a former All-American player at Iowa, is emphasizing recruiting more top in-state prospects to build a strong foundation for the Hawkeyes. She believes keeping the best Iowa talent home will be key to improving the team's performance and competitiveness in the Big Ten.

  • May-Johnson was hired as Iowa's new head coach in November 2025.
  • The Hawkeyes' 2026 season began in February 2026.

The players

Stacy May-Johnson

The new head coach of the Iowa softball team, a former All-American player for the Hawkeyes.

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What they’re saying

“We have so much talent right here in Iowa, and my goal is to keep the best of the best home and build this program back up.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach (The Gazette)

What’s next

May-Johnson and the Hawkeyes will open their 2026 season on February 10th with a home game against Northern Iowa.

The takeaway

May-Johnson's focus on recruiting top in-state talent represents a shift in strategy for the Iowa softball program, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years. If she can successfully build a roster of elite local players, it could help the Hawkeyes return to the NCAA tournament and compete for Big Ten titles.