From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis softball Head Coach Michelle Venturella, softball assistant coach Roya St. Clair and men's basketball assistant coach Kevin Dux have announced they will be stepping away from their respective programs.
"We are fortunate to have all felt the impact these family members have had on our students, staff and University," said Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the John M. Schael Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama. "They are truly committed to the development of young people."
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Venturella, who has been at the helm of the Bears program since 2016, is stepping away from coaching to pursue more time with her family and a chance to develop leaders and teams through Built to Lead.
"I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this program the past six years," said Venturella. "This opportunity allowed me to coach some amazing women at one of the best institutions in the world. Seeing the vision I had for this program come to life each day over the past six years has been so rewarding. This last year coaching was one of the best I have ever experienced. This sport has given me so much! It has given me opportunities that I could never have dreamed of when I started down this road. Even though my coaching career has come to an end, the relationships I have made will be there forever."
Venturella leaves coaching with a 301-275 all-time record and a 108-71 record at WashU. In 2022, she led the Bears to their best season in over a decade, finishing 32-12 with a trip to the NCAA Regional where they picked up two wins. In her first year at WashU, the Bears went on to win the UAA and earn a trip to the NCAA Regional.
During her time with the Bears, she has mentored six All-Region players in Taylor Arends, Anna McKee (2), Hannah Merle, Maggie Clapp, Katie Gould (2) and Maggie Baumstark.
Venturella's last day at WashU is September 2.
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St. Clair leaves WashU after three seasons with the Bears to head to Texas Tech. In her time with the Bears, she has worked with two all-regional players, most recently Gould and Baumstark.
Since joining the program for the 2020 season, St. Clair has helped the Bears to a 50-25 record and an NCAA Regional. Five players earned all-conference recognition in 2022, including Baumstark who was the UAA Position Player of the Year, bringing St. Clair's total up to 15 all-conference honorees in her time at WashU. Additionally, in 2022, the WashU coaching staff was named UAA Coaching Staff of the Year for the first time since 2017.
"I want to especially thank my assistant, Roya St. Clair, who helped me become a better person and coach and elevate this program," said Venturella.
St. Clair's last day is August 12.
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Dux has been with the men's basketball program since 2018 and is leaving WashU to move back to Florida to be closer to family.
Since joining the WashU staff, Dux has helped the program to a 58-21 overall record, won a UAA Championship in 2020 and made two NCAA Tournament appearances including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2020 that was cut short by COVID.
Dux mentored three-time All-American Jack Nolan and 11 all-conference honorees in his time on the Danforth Campus.
"I cannot thank Kevin enough for his outstanding contributions to our program and WashU," said men's basketball Head Coach Pat Juckem. "He has impacted all facets of our program substantially, continuing the excellence that WashU Basketball is known for. Personally, I have enjoyed reuniting with Kevin and working with him daily. Kevin has a great opportunity for his young family to move back to Florida and I know he will continue impacting young people in his new role."
Dux's last day at WashU is August 15.