Bio
At the time of her induction into the NJCAA Region 16 Hall of Fame in 2007, Celeste Knierim was the winningest softball coach in the history of the National Junior College Athletic Association. She was selected by her coaching peers as Region 16 Coach of the Year 12 times between 1985 and 2004. Her Meramec teams were Region 16 champions 16 times between 1978 and 2004 and advanced to the NJCAA national tournament on 15 occasions during those years. Amazingly, her teams were conference champions 25 times between 1978 and 2004. Coach Knierim produced 45 NJCAA All American student-athletes. She has held numerous offices in the NJCAA Softball Coaches Association, including the presidency. She is a member of five Halls of Fame (NJCAA Region 16 Hall of Fame - 2007; St. Louis Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame - 2004; National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame - 2003; St. Louis Community College-Meramec Athletic Department Hall of Fame - 2002; and National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame - 1999).
Celeste served St. Louis Community College-Meramec as Associate Professor of Physical Education from 1974 until her retirement in 2003. She established the softball team in 1975 and served as head coach until retirement. She also served various terms as head volleyball coach, head basketball coach, head field hockey coach, and intramurals director.
Celeste was recognized in 2004 by Sports Illustrated ("Faces in the Crowd") for 1000 softball victories. Celeste is an extraordinarily accomplished professional who is known nationally and internationally for her outstanding work.