DETROIT -- Wayne State University head softball coach Gary Bryce has announced his retirement effective at the conclusion of the 2021 season, which will be Bryce's 40th leading the WSU softball program.

"What can you say about the person who is the all-time winningest softball coach in D2 history?" asked WSU Director of Athletics Rob Fournier.  "He has made Wayne State softball a nationally recognized name, but more importantly, has positively impacted the journey of many young people over the years.  His name on the field will forever remind those young people, and those that follow, of the legacy he established.  I have appreciated his camaraderie and confidence over the years --  a sentiment shared by our entire department."

Bryce took over in the summer of 1981 following a four-year coaching tenure (1978-81) by Diane Laffey and assistant Carol Fuchs.  JoAnne Shirkey coached the Tartars in 1977, while Millie Lindsey was the coach in both 1975 and 1976.

Bryce begins his 40th season next month.  The 40 years coaching will be tied for second in NCAA softball history (all three Divisions combined).  American International College's Judy Groff (1969-2011) is the all-time leader at 43 years.  Two retired coaches - Central Michigan's Margo Jonker (1980-2019) and Hallie Cohen (1980-2019), who coached at both FDU-Fordham and William Paterson - both finished with 40 years.  Joining Bryce at 40 years in 2021 are Claudia Stabile of Pace and Widener's Fred Dohrmann.

"What a wonderful and exciting forty years of growth and development it has been in coaching the Wayne State University Softball  Program," remarked Bryce.  "The coaches and players have been exceptionally talented and I am so proud of everyone that has been a part of this program."

After leading the Warriors to the second-most single-season wins (50) in school history in 2016, and another 40 victories in 2017, Bryce will enter 2021 seventh on the NCAA All-Time Wins list (all three Divisions combined) with 1,317 victories.

Bryce surpassed Bloomsburg's Jan Hutchinson (1978-2010), who garnered 1,215 wins in her 33 seasons, as the all-time NCAA Division II winningest softball coach with WSU's win over Lincoln on March 3, 2017.

On April 23, 2016, Bryce became the 10th coach in NCAA softball history to reach the 1,200 win plateau as the Warriors swept Ashland.  WSU rallied from an 8-0 deficit to win the opener 12-8, then run-ruled the Eagles, 9-1, in the nightcap for the historic victory.

Entering the 2021 season, Bryce has coached 41 All-Americans on the field (5 Converse, 25 NFCA and 11 Daktronics/D2CCA) and 10 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans in his career, including current assistant coach Pat Kent.  His Warrior teams have reached the NCAA Division II College World Series (Elite Eight) on three occasions in 2003, 2010 and 2014.  Bryce's squads won five consecutive GLIAC Tournament titles (2012-16) compiling an 22-2 record over those five tournaments.  In addition, he has led WSU to three NCAA Midwest Super Regional appearances in a six-year span (2014-19).

A 2008 inductee into the NFCA Hall of Fame, Bryce has led WSU to 12 NCAA tournament appearances in the last 14 seasons (2006-19) that a post-season tournament was held.

His 2003 squad became the first in school history to advance to the College World Series after winning the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in Allendale, while his 2010 team shattered the previous wins record (43 in 1993) by winning 52 games including the NCAA Midwest Regional and Super Regional titles to advance to the College World Series.

During his tenure, he has built one of the most successful collegiate programs among Michigan universities and colleges, compiling an 1317-772-8 (.630) overall record in 39 seasons.  Under Bryce's guidance, Wayne State's softball program has been nationally ranked 28 times in his 39 seasons.  WSU has made 23 appearances (1983-84-86-88-90-92-93-94-96-02-03-06-07-08-09-10-12-13-14-15-16-17-19) in the NCAA Division II National Championship tournament since 1982, sixth most in NCAA Division II.  The 2009 senior class was the first in school history to make four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, while the class of 2010 became the first with three 40-plus win seasons.

The athletic department will begin a national search for the next head coach to take over after the 2021 season.

TRANSACTIONS:  Wayne State (Mich.) head softball coach Gary Bryce announced his retirement effective at the conclusion of the 2021 season.