Gregg Sauve Retires As Winningest Coach In Northwood Softball History

MIDLAND, MICH. – After 10 seasons leading the Northwood University softball program, head coach Gregg Sauve has announced his retirement from collegiate coaching.

Sauve leaves Northwood as the winningest head coach in program history, compiling a 263-198-1 overall record and a .575 winning percentage during his decade at the helm. Under his leadership, the Timberwolves produced nine straight winning seasons, eight conference tournament appearances, two NCAA Tournament berths, and the program's first conference tournament championship in 2024.

"I'd like to thank Coach for his years of dedication and commitment to the University," said Northwood Director of Athletics Jeff Curtis. "He led this program with integrity, passion, and character, and the impact he made on Northwood Athletics will be felt for years to come. We wish him nothing but the best in retirement, and he will always be a Timberwolf."

Since being named the eighth head coach in program history in the summer of 2016, Sauve quickly transformed the program into a consistent contender. From 2018-25, the Timberwolves recorded seven seasons with at least 25 victories, including three 30-win campaigns. During that span, Sauve coached more than 20 All-Conference selections while consistently producing success in the classroom as well.

One of the defining moments of Sauve's career came during the 2024 season when Northwood captured the program's first G-MAC Tournament Championship. The Timberwolves went 4-0 during the tournament run to secure the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The championship season capped off back-to-back 30-win campaigns and solidified Northwood as one of the top programs in the Midwest Region.

Sauve also guided the Timberwolves to the NCAA Tournament in 2021 after a 29-16 season that saw Northwood finish second in the GLIAC regular season standings and advance to the conference tournament championship game.

In 2025, Sauve became the program's all-time wins leader with his 232nd career victory following a series sweep of Thomas More on April 13. The Timberwolves finished the season 28-20 overall and earned another trip to the G-MAC Tournament while receiving regional recognition throughout the season.

"I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to lead and be a part of Northwood Softball. When you leave a program, you always hope you've made a positive impact and left it better than you found it, and I truly believe we accomplished that here. Together, we built a culture representing Northwood the right way. I've been lucky to be around a lot of really good people. The players, coaches, staff, and alumni all made this place special. There's a lot I'll miss about being around the program every day, but I'm really thankful for the memories and relationships that came with it. Northwood Softball will always mean a lot to me, and I'll always be proud to have been part of it."

Gregg Sauve at Northwood

• 263-199-1 career record
• Winningest coach in program history
• Nine consecutive winning seasons
• Eight conference tournament appearances
• NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2024
• 2024 G-MAC Tournament Champions
• Three 30-win seasons
• More than 20 All-Conference student-athletes coached

Northwood Athletics is set to announce the next head coach of the Northwood softball program in the coming days.