Hall of Honor
Back To Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
Gayle Koehler Induction Video
Gayle Koehler was a three-time All-Conference infielder for Wheaton softball from 1988-91. She ranks third in school history in career batting average (.403) and stolen bases (41). Koehler also held the school’s single-season hits (53) and stolen bases (18) records at the time of her graduation.
However, Koehler’s most cherished memories at Wheaton did not occur on the playing field. Team chapels, van ride conversations, post-game meals, and road trip bonding are the experiences that first come to her mind.
Playing softball at the collegiate level was a whole new experience for Koehler, who had never played the sport in high school. “The fact that I could excel in this sport is a testimony to my coaches,” she said. “Jerry Chaplin and Grant Sherman were more than coaches for me. They served as surrogate fathers for me. They showed great patience with me and never tired of teaching me softball skills or how to walk with the Lord.”
Other head coaches in the department also were very instrumental in shaping Koehler’s spiritual life. “Coach Beth Baker and Coach Jane Nelson by far impacted me the most,” Koehler said. “These two women discipled me intentionally through conversations and prayer, as well as unintentionally by simply being mature women of faith for me to model. They invested in my life with their time and kindness in ways I could never repay. I remain friends with them both to this day because my fondness and respect for them has not waned.”
Gayle lives locally and is the Central Stores Manager for Wheaton College.
Back To Hall of Fame
