Courtesy Nebraska Athletics
Lori Sippel, who followed a legendary playing career with 37 years as a Cornhuskers assistant coach, announced her retirement today two days after Nebraska’s season ended in the Women’s College World Series.
“I am humbled to have had the privilege to be a member of this great athletic department and university for the past 41 years,” Sippel said in a statement released by the athletic department. “I am grateful to Dr. Barbara Hibner for extending the opportunity to me and to Rhonda, who allowed me to continue on with her when she took over the program. Working alongside Rhonda in this program has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I will always be grateful for the friendships, support and memories we have made and shared over the years.
“To all who have touched this program, you have also touched me. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement and partnership throughout the years. I leave with a deep appreciation of the many wonderful memories and accomplishments shared with this department and most certainly the Red Team.”
In her 41 season as a player or coach, Sippel helped the Huskers to 1,449 wins, 18 conference titles, 26 NCAA Tournament appearances and six trips to the Women’s College World Series. Sippel earned two All-America honors as a Husker in the 1980s, then coached six other Nebraska pitchers to a total of eight All-America honors.
“Lori is the epitome of everything good and true about being a Husker,” Head Coach Rhonda Revelle said in a statement. “She gave her entire playing career and coaching career to the University of Nebraska. I couldn’t love, respect, or trust her more than I do. While I feel my heart breaking with this news as I have coached every day at Nebraska alongside her, I am equally filled with gratitude for the memories made, the lives touched and the journey we have taken together for the last 34 years. I love you my dear friend. You have earned this time to thrive in your next chapter of life.”
Sippel was the first Nebraska softball player to have her number retired (No. 16) and still holds 12 pitching records in Husker history. She pitched for Team Canada in the 1996 Olympics and coached Team Canada in the 2008 Olympics.