Hall of Fame MSSU Softball Coach Pat Lipira Part of the 2024 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class

ST. JOSEPH, MO — The St. Joseph Sports Commission recently announced the 2024 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class with one of those member being former Missouri Southern Softball coach Pat Lipira.

Coach Lipira was born and raised in St. Joseph, graduating from Central High School.

Lipira is already a member of the Missouri Southern Athletics Hall of Fame, the MIAA Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Lipira took over the program in 1982. In 1992, Lipira led the Lions Softball program to a 50-7 record, MIAA Champions, Midwest Regional Champs and a NCAA National Championship.

Over her 18 year coaching career with the Lions, Lipira compiled a 632-275 overall record.

She was named MIAA Coach of the Year five times, Region Coach of the Year twice and National Coach of the Year once.

Lipira led Missouri Southern to four MIAA Championships, six NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA Regional Championships and one national title.

The enshrinement ceremony will take place Sunday, August 25th at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center with the enshrinement and presentation of awards beginning at 5 p.m.

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