Spoon River College athletic director John Bassett announced the addition of Steve Leverton to his coaching staff. Leverton will be the associate head coach for softball.
“I’ve known Coach Leverton for a long time. I’m entering my 15th year as a collegiate head coach and I’ve never met a better recruiter,” said Bassett. “I don’t think there is a secret to his success, he’s simply one of the most honest and genuine people you will ever meet. He’s passionate about the game of softball and cares about every player that has ever suited up for him. His passion and competitiveness are infectious and people want to be a part of his programs.”
Leverton comes to Spoon River College after a successful nine-year run at Heartland Community College, the last seven as head coach. He retired in July of 2020 with the title of winningest coach in school history. While there he led Heartland to six MWAC Championships, 304 wins with 199 as head coach, as well as coaching seven All-Americans, 49 Academic All-Americans, 53 Academic All-Conference, five MWAC Players of the Year, two MWAC Pitchers of the Year, three MWAC Freshman of the Year, one MWAC Female Athlete of the Year, one Lea Pulaski Award winner and numerous other All Region and All MWAC Players. He was also the 2016 MWAC Coach of the Year.
Leverton has also had success coaching and winning at the elite club level, winning a National Championship, a National Runner-up, three Class “A” State Championships, and numerous final four finishes at the state and national levels.
“We had a lot of success last year and I’m very excited to see what we can do this year after adding Coach Leverton to the mix,” said Bassett, who is the head coach for softball. Bill Towery serves as the assistant coach.
Leverton and wife Melissa are proud parents of six children and have five grandchildren.
