UNOH Hires Billy Glessner as New Head Coach of Softball

LIMA, OH - The University of Northwestern Ohio has announced the hiring of Billy Glessner as the new head coach of Softball effective immediately. Glessner becomes just the third head coach in the program's history taking over the full-time duties from previous head coach Travis Owen who stepped away earlier this fall and interim head coach Hannah Swartzentruber who led the program for two months during its transition.

"We are thrilled to welcome Billy to the Racer family," said UNOH Director of Athletics Jen Dervarics. "He brings a wealth of experience, passion for developing student-athletes, and a proven track record of success both on and off the field. He understands what it takes to compete at a high level while ensuring our student-athletes succeed academically and personally. We're excited to see the positive impact he will have on our program."

Glessner comes to UNOH after five years at the University of Fort Lauderdale where he began as the head baseball coach in 2021 before acquiring additional duties as head softball coach and Assistant Athletic Director in 2022. He led his baseball program to four consecutive NCCAA World Series appearances from 2022-25 with back-to-back final four finishes with the softball program in 2024 and 2025. Glessner was named South Region Coach of the Year five times over three years earning three for baseball and two for softball.

"I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Hannah Swartzentruber for her leadership and steady guidance during this transition," continued Dervarics. "Her dedication to our student-athletes and the program has been invaluable, and we're thankful for all she has done to keep the team moving forward."

Swartzentruber has been an assistant coach for the softball program since 2023 and took over interim head coach duties at the end of August after Owen's departure continuing to lead the program in a unified direction.

Glessner, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Education from Southeastern University, currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida but has already begun work with his new team as he transitions to UNOH.