Former softball coach Galen Struve passes away

With great sadness, Rockhurst University Athletics announces the passing of former RU head softball coach Galen Struve, who died on Dec. 16 at the age of 75.

Struve guided the Rockhurst softball program from its inception in 2005 until his retirement after the 2017 season. The Hawks won 265 games and advanced to the GLVC Tournament five times under Struve. Seven of Struve's teams received the NCAA Division II Top 10 Team Academic Award from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

The Hawks captured a share of the 2017 GLVC regular season championship in Struve's last season. Rockhurst broke a school record for victories (31) and conference wins (19) in 2017.

Struve began his college coaching career at William Jewell College, where he served as head coach in 1992 and '93. He was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1993.

Struve served as the head coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 1997-2000. His 1999 team rewrote the UMKC record book in almost every offensive, pitching and defensive categories. He was spent two years as the head coach at Avila University in 2001-02.

Struve was a recognized fast-pitch clinician and pitching instructor in the Kansas City metropolitan area, instructing 150 softball pitchers each year. His summer competition teams made seven ASA Regional appearances, four ASA National appearances, three AFA Nationals and numerous Metro Championships.

In addition to coaching softball, Struve was a renowned free-lance illustrator and designer. He was a graduate of the Omaha Art Institute and Kansas City Art Institute.

Struve is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Dana, and granddaughters, Shayla and Emily.

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