GovState Athletics Adds Women's Softball For 2026-27 - Names Head CoachTori Keilman -

GovState Athletics Adds Women's Softball For 2026-27 - Names New Head Coach Tori Keilman -  (Former St. Xavier 4-Year Shortstop, Cougars Assistant Coach Takes Over Jaguars' Softball Program)

Governors State University Athletic Director Tony Bates announced this week the starting of Jaguars women's softball program to be the 16th NAIA competitive team - effective in the 2026-27 school year.

"We are excited and pleased for Coach Tori (Keilman), who played and coached at St. Xavier to be our head coach of Jaguars women's softball. She will do a fantastic job for us recruiting and building a team that will start in 2026-27 and compete in the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference),"said Coach Bates.

Keilman, an Indiana native, coached at St. Xavier last season, 16-0, CCAC Champions and was the 24th ranked team in the NAIA, the Cougars were 37-8, and played in the NAIA Nationals (Oregon Regional)

"I am excited and blessed to be here," said Coach Keilman. "And to be part of a unique situation starting up the Jaguars softball program. I know what it takes to build a college softball program and my top priorities are recruiting pitchers and shortstops." 

Keilman's career stats at St. Xavier:

• An assistant coach for the Cougars after suiting up for SXU four seasons.
• In her career, Keilman hit .291/.368/.501 (123-for-423) in 145 games for Saint Xavier. She drove in 107 runs, scored 68 runs, collected 24 doubles, 17 home runs and seven triples. Defensively, Keilman made 184 putouts with 168 & 36 errors while patrolling shortshop.
• Keilman played her freshman season at NCAA Division II St. Joseph's College (Ind.) with 13 RBI's, eight runs scored, three doubles and three home runs. She had a slashline of .228/.299/.380 (18-for-79).