Stepping Up to the Plate

Mike White’s ’89 love and dedication to softball brought him all around the world—from his hometown in New Zealand, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to the University of Texas where he serves as the Head Softball Coach.

Mike White came to the United States from New Zealand as a semi-professional softball pitcher. He travelled often, playing in the northern hemisphere until summer ended and then going to the southern hemisphere to start the season all over again.

“Eventually, I decided I wanted to own my own business,” shared Mike. “I wanted to go back to school to achieve that.”

Mike was placed in Iowa to play fastpitch men’s softball, and he began taking classes at Kirkwood Community College. Mike decided to finish his bachelor’s degree at Mount Mercy University. As a non-traditional student, Mike felt that the smaller campus would provide him the support and opportunities he needed.

In addition to pitching during his time at Mount Mercy, Mike joined the men’s golf team. He learned a lot from his experience on the team.

“I just fell in love with the game,” shared Mike. “I think it’s the ultimate mental challenge.”

Many of Mike’s favorite memories from his time at Mount Mercy revolved around sports—whether he was playing golf, going to sporting events, or watching them on TV.

“In the summertime we used to pull the TV out and watch Harry Caray and the Chicago Cubs with a group of friends, that was always fun,” said Mike.

In addition to making meaningful memories, Mike was preparing for life as a business owner.

Mike’s management, businesses, and accounting classes all proved useful for his ten-year career as a franchise owner. Mike and his wife owned two franchises, Play It Again Sports and Once Upon a Child, in Sioux City, Iowa.

When the internet became more and more utilized, customers became especially price conscious. Mike began looking for other avenues he should pursue when he had a discussion with Ralph Weekly, a softball coach at the University of Tennessee.

“He said, ‘I think you’d be a great coach; you should look into it,’” said Mike. “That’s when I got into coaching and got a job in Oregon.”

Mike was hired as the Head Coach of the University of Oregon softball program in 2009. When Mike transitioned into coaching, he discovered the classes he took to become a business owner provided him with many of the skills he needed.

“I can remember being in school, and I was frozen by speaking in front of people,” shared Mike. “My classes gave me the confidence to go out and do bigger things that I really wanted to achieve.”

During his nine seasons at Oregon, the team went to the Women’s College World Series five times and won five Pac-12 Conference titles—an achievement Mike continues to be proud of.

“Oregon had never won a PAC-12 Championship before and hadn’t been to the World Series since 1979, so those are some good accomplishments,” said Mike.

In 2018, Mike officially said goodbye to Oregon and was hired as the Head Coach of the University of Texas softball program.

“I had a great opportunity at a big school and national brand,” shared Mike on his transition to Texas. “It was now or never if I was going to make that move, and I felt my future was optimistic in Texas.”

Throughout his life—as a coach, business owner, and overall person—Mike has stood by three main virtues: respect, effort, and attitude. It is those three attributes that have helped Mike build important connections to boost his career. Mike encourages current students to follow that path as well.

“Build your network, meet as many people as you can, get to know them, and respect them,” said Mike.