Former softball and volleyball coach Dr. Pat Lipira was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame last Thursday.

Lipira began her coaching career at Missouri Southern in 1981 when she was brought in to coach volleyball. The next season, she began coaching softball as well, which is where she found the majority of her success.

From 1982-2000, Lipira accumulated 632 wins, including 439 in just 12 years as a member of the MIAA.

She ended her career with a .697 winning percentage, which places her in the top 20 in NCAA history.

In her time at Southern, Lipira took the Lions to four MIAA Championships and two Regional Championships.

In 1992, Lipira had her most successful season, bringing back the NCAA National Championship trophy to Southern.

Not only did her team win the National Championship, but she also won Coach of the Year.

Lipira won MIAA Coach of the Year five different times and added two regional Coach of the Year awards to her trophy shelf before the end of her coaching career.

After retiring, Lipira continued to be involved at Southern. She currently, serves as the vice president of academic affairs at the University.