Melinda Fischer '72, M.S. '75

Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

• Retired women’s softball coach, Illinois State University; Bloomington

• Major: Health Physcial Education & Recreation

Melinda Fischer’s impact on Illinois State University and women’s athletics is unparalleled. Fischer helped lead the Redbirds to the first-ever Women’s College World Series in 1969, where they achieved a runner-up finish. Her dedication to sports began before Illinois high schools even offered girls' sports, making her a trailblazer in every sense. At Illinois State, she excelled in field hockey, basketball, and softball, embodying the spirit of a student-athlete who worked tirelessly, uplifted her teammates, and epitomized Redbird pride.

After completing her bachelor's in physical education and continuing as a graduate assistant coach at Illinois State, she briefly led Eastern Illinois University's women's basketball and softball programs, securing an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women state championship and regional finals berth for the latter. Fischer returned to Illinois state in 1980 as the co-head basketball coach with Jill Hutchison and assistant softball coach with Margie Wright before becoming the head softball coach in 1986.

Over 37 seasons, Fischer amassed 1,159 wins, becoming the winningest coach in Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference history. She guided the Redbirds to eight postseason appearances, 10 conference championships, and numerous accolades, including Missouri Valley Coach of the Year honors five times and the 2006 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Region Coaching Staff of the Year award.

Fischer’s influence extends beyond the field. A two-time inductee into the Illinois State University Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame and a 2016 inductee into the College of Applied Science and Technology Hall of Fame, she has mentored countless student-athletes, coaches, and staff. In 2010 she was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame and the association later recognized her lifelong commitment by renaming its distinguished service award in her honor.

Even in retirement, Fischer remains a dedicated Redbird, advocating for advancements to Marian Kneer Softball Stadium. Her storied career and devotion to Illinois State embody the excellence and pride that define the Redbird legacy.