John Rittman, who spent 18 years as head softball coach at Stanford and eight years on the United States National Team coaching staff, has joined the Kansas University softball staff as associate head coach.

“John Rittman is one of the most well-respected coaches in our game,” KU head coach Megan Smith said. “He has had such a successful career, and we are excited to have his expertise and experience to help us continue to build success at Kansas. He will come in and make an immediate impact working with our hitters and outfielders, and his recruiting experience and connections will be invaluable to our program. His excellent reputation as an elite softball coach is matched by his impeccable character.”

Under Rittman, the Cardinal recorded 16-consecutive winning seasons, made 15-straight NCAA appearances, notched 13 40-win seasons and produced at least one All-American in 15 of the last 16 years. At Stanford, Rittman accumulated a 711-338-3 overall mark, coached a national player of the year and 16 All-Americans and maintained a spot in every regular-season National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) poll for more than a decade.

“I’m extremely excited to join Megan Smith and the KU softball program,” Rittman said. “I’m looking forward to assisting and developing our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. I think coach Smith is a true leader and an outstanding coach. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the success of the program. I saw the new softball facility, and it is absolutely amazing. It’s a very exciting time to be joining KU softball.”