Coach Nikki Gahring Moving on from Xavier Softball

After 21 years coaching within the Xavier High School softball program, including the past 14 seasons as head coach, Nikki Gahring is moving on from the Saints, closing one of the most impactful tenures in program history.

As head coach, Gahring posted a 340–174 record, all at Xavier, and guided the Saints to two state tournament appearances, including a state tournament berth in 2025. Beyond that, her leadership helped to further establish Xavier Softball as a program that was consistently competitive on a statewide basis.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent and lead the Saints program. The players, families, staff, and supporters have made this journey incredibly special. Xavier Softball will always hold a place in my heart.”
~Nikki Gahring

“Nikki has poured her heart into Xavier Softball and helped elevate the program to where it is today. She has shaped young women, built lasting relationships, and made an impact that will be felt for years to come.”
~ Adam McDonnell, Xavier High School Activities Director

Gahring, who also currently serves as a teacher in the Linn-Mar Community School District and resides in Alburnett, will eventually be taking on a new role with Alburnett Community Schools to work closer to family.

A search to name Xavier's next softball coach is currently underway.

Message from Coach Gahring:

THANK YOU will never be enough to clearly express how grateful and blessed I feel to have spent the last 21 years representing and guiding the young women on Bob Erusha Field who have all been part of the Xavier Softball program.  Each and every one of the current and former players and families have contributed and made a lasting impact on me.

To the players (current and former): Thank you for showing up every day and putting in the work to ensure we are putting the best product on the field for everyone to enjoy.  Thank you for letting me challenge you but also love you and watch you experience success through all the ups and downs of every season!  I will keep all the moments close to my heart.  The grind, the resilience, the laughs, van rides, team dinners, and all the memories on and off the field.   The high school journey is intense, compact, and full of expectations from all involved and I am so grateful to have the been given such a high caliber of young women to go to work with every day during season who competed with heart, passion, and an unwavering faith in me, our staff, and their teammates. 

To our Staff:  thank you for your consistent availability and dedication to me, our players, and our program.  The daily messages, late night texts, long hours, and commitment to our program, built life-long friendships that I am forever grateful for.  Working with each of you has been a privilege.  I have been blessed with the best and have loved all the memories and valued input that each of your have brought to and instilled in our program.  

To the players families:  Thank you for believing in me and trusting me with your daughters over the years and giving me the opportunity to make a positive impact on them as individuals and as softball players.  They enter our program as 14 year old girls and leave as 18 year old women leaders ready to take on the world as an adult.  I feel very blessed by all the amazing parents over the years who are consistently willing to chip in, help out, and do anything they can to support the program.  The program is where it is today because of the continued dedication and support from all involved and has prevailed over the years through many challenges including the Derecho, a tornado, and countless upgrades that were made possible because of the many hard working hands involved.    Truly a blessed support system for all of us.

To my family: Thank you for allowing me and supporting me over the years on and off the field.  Thank you for the sacrifice and love every step of the way.  This has been my second home since I was 19 and became your second home shortly after.  

It has been an absolute honor to represent and lead the Saints program.  I am deeply grateful to Coach Erbe and Mr. Winker for taking a chance on my 19 year old self and helping kickstart my development as a coach and contributing to who I am today.  

As one chapter closes and another one opens, my love and support for the Xavier Softball program and all involved will never change.  Bob Erusha Field is an incredibly special place and has made me the coach I am today.  The program is in an amazing space with everything needed to bless the next head coach and to continue the success and elevate the program even more.  

Truly blessed and forever grateful! 

Go Saints 
~Coach Gahring