UMBC Turns the Page: Chris Stelma Named New Retrievers Softball Head Coach

by Brian Hradsky · Published July 16, 2026 · Updated July 16, 2026

UMBC Turns the Page: Chris Stelma Named New Retrievers Softball Head Coach

The UMBC softball program has a new leader.

UMBC Director of Athletics Tiffany D. Tucker announced Tuesday that Chris Stelma has been hired as the next head coach of the Retrievers, bringing more than a decade of Division I head coaching experience to Catonsville. The hire marks the beginning of a new era for a program looking to rebuild following one of the most difficult seasons in school history.

Stelma arrives at UMBC after spending the past two seasons as the head coach at Oakland University. In 2026, he guided the Golden Grizzlies to a 25-24 overall record and a 9-9 mark in Horizon League play. His team improved by seven victories from his first season and earned an impressive non-conference win over Big Ten opponent Michigan State. Under his leadership, Oakland produced six All-Horizon League selections, including three First Team honorees, while Maggie Murphy earned NFCA Great Lakes All-Region recognition.

“It is a great day to be a Retriever,” Tucker said in UMBC’s announcement. “With 10 years of head coaching experience at the mid-major level, Chris was an extremely intriguing candidate, and we are thankful to have him lead our student-athletes.”

For Stelma, the opportunity to lead UMBC represents another chance to build a winning program from the ground up.

“I’m honored and excited to be named the next head coach of UMBC softball,” Stelma said. “This is a program with tremendous potential, and I am grateful to Athletic Director Tiffany D. Tucker and the search committee for entrusting me with this opportunity.”

Proven Program Builder

Before Oakland, Stelma spent eight seasons at Saint Peter’s University, where he transformed one of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s struggling programs into a consistent contender.

His accomplishments included:

2022 MAAC Coach of the Year
First coach in Saint Peter’s history to earn MAAC Coach of the Year honors
Back-to-back 20-win seasons
A 30-win campaign in 2023, the school’s first since 2002
68 victories from 2022-24, the program’s best three-year stretch in more than two decades
96 career victories at Saint Peter’s, second-most in program history
Numerous All-MAAC performers and MAAC All-Academic student-athletes

Known as a coach who develops hitters while emphasizing culture, accountability, and academics, Stelma has consistently elevated every program he has led.

A Major Rebuild Ahead

The challenge awaiting Stelma is significant.

Earlier this year, UMBC dismissed former head coach Angie Nicholson and assistant coach Rick Nicholson. Shortly afterward, the Retrievers canceled the remainder of the 2026 softball season after roster attrition left the program without enough healthy players to safely continue competition. Several student-athletes entered the transfer portal, leaving the program in need of both roster reconstruction and cultural rebuilding.

Now, UMBC hopes Stelma can provide the stability needed to return the Retrievers to competing for America East Conference championships.

Why This Hire Matters

Hiring an experienced Division I head coach instead of a first-time leader sends a strong message from the athletic department.

Stelma has repeatedly shown an ability to inherit difficult situations and improve programs through recruiting, player development, and culture. His teams have consistently improved offensively while also excelling in the classroom.

Those traits will be critical as UMBC rebuilds its roster over the coming months.

Recruiting will immediately become the top priority. With transfer portal activity continuing across college softball, Stelma will have opportunities to add experienced talent while also strengthening future recruiting classes.

Looking Ahead

The 2027 season will likely be measured less by wins and losses and more by progress.

Building depth, restoring confidence, and creating a competitive culture will be essential during Stelma’s first year.

If his track record at Saint Peter’s and Oakland is any indication, however, Retrievers fans have reason to believe the program is headed in the right direction.

UMBC has invested in a coach with a history of rebuilding programs, developing student-athletes, and producing competitive softball teams. Now the focus shifts to assembling the roster and laying the foundation for sustained success in the America East Conference.

For a program looking to move beyond one of the most turbulent chapters in its history, Chris Stelma represents a fresh start.

Sources