The University of Mississippi Athletics
Karl Gollan Joins Softball Staff As Assistant Coach
8/17/2023 | Softball
Rebels Welcome Elite Pitching Mind to Oxford
OXFORD, Miss. – Head coach Jamie Trachsel announced the newest addition to her staff, naming former New Zealand Black Sox pitcher and Augustana head coach Karl Gollan as an assistant coach.
Gollan comes to Oxford with over 30 years of softball playing experience, including 25 years at the international and world championship level. A former member of New Zealand's national team from 2004-2017, he helped lead his country to the top spot in the WBSC/ISF and ISC rankings. As a coach, Gollan assisted the NZ Black Sox and still serves as an advisor for the national team. He also has experience working with athletes, many who have gone on to play college softball at his School of Fastpitch.
"I would like to give sincere thanks to Jamie and everyone who has given me their confidence to help assist in driving the program forward," said Gollan. "I'm excited to share this experience and journey with my family and those who have supported me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a program that, from top to bottom, is aligned on what the goal is, and I can't wait to start hunting it down."
This past season, Gollan served as the head coach for the Augustana softball program. He helped turn around the program that was picked to finish last in the conference and guided them to a third place finish. Winning over 20 games, the three Vikings earned all-conference honors, including Nadia Ranieri, who was named CCIW Pitcher of the Year. Under Gollan, the pitching staff flourished, tying the conference single season strikeout record with 264 punchouts.
Gollan also has spent the past seven years as an advisor and consultant for the New Zealand National Team Program. His duties included player evaluations and scouting for the No. 1 ranked men's fastpitch team in the world.
A member of the New Zealand Men's National Team from 2004 to 2017, Gollan collected numerous accolades. With the Black Sox, he was a part of two WBSC/ISF World Championship teams. Gollan also earned the title of World Champion with the County Materials and NY Gremlins twice. In his nearly 15 years representing his country on the diamond, Gollan received four First Team All-World selections as he helped lead New Zealand to multiple No. 1 World rankings from the ISF/WBSC and ISC.
While playing professionally, Gollan coached numerous junior club teams, including Aukland United and Miramar Softball Club from 2009-13. He worked to help develop athletes as well as manage the in-game lineups and strategy.
Gollan also opened the School of Fastpitch in 2006. As the owner and lead instructor for over 100 clients, he was responsible for creating all training programs and helping a majority of his athletes get recruited to play college softball at every level, ranging from JUCO to Division I.
Prior to opening his own business, Gollan worked as the co-lead pitching and lead hitting instructor with DG Softball Academy from 2003-05. One of only two training facilities approved for the USA National and Olympic teams at the time, he designed and implemented hitting and pitching programs for all students. Gollan also helped lead camps and coaching seminars.
For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball, on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball and on Instagram at @olemisssoftball. Also, follow head coach Jamie Trachsel on Twitter at @Jamie_Trachsel.
