Under the guidance of Bernstein and Standering, the Golden Gophers have qualified for five NCAA Tournaments (1996, ’98, ’99, 2002 and ’03). Minnesota’s 2002 and ’03 post-season appearances marked the second time they led the Maroon and Gold to back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament, the first coming in 1998 and ’99.

Bernstein and Standering led Minnesota to the most successful season in school history in 1999, highlighted by the program’s first ever Big Ten Tournament title. The Gophers finished the year with a 48-20 overall record, matching the school record win total which was originally set just one year earlier. Minnesota posted its highest Big Ten regular season finish since 1996, taking second place with a 16-8 conference record.

Both coaches came to Minnesota in the fall of 1991 from the University of Arizona after winning a national championship with the Wildcats. Bernstein, an assistant coach at Arizona, became the fourth head coach in the history of the Golden Gopher softball program, while Standering, the starting shortstop for the Wildcats, was named the assistant coach.

After five seasons and a second-place finish in the Big Ten in 1996, Standering was elevated to the position of associate head coach the following season. Two years later, Bernstein pushed for Standering’s coaching advancement and a co-head coach title at Minnesota. Since 1999, this unique model has put Bernstein and Standering ahead of the game.

"Julie and I split responsibilities very well, both on the field and in the office," said Bernstein. "Julie is an excellent recruiter who enjoys being at the softball field all day, while I focus more on the day-to-day operations of our program."

Bernstein and Standering have established themselves as excellent teachers of the game. Bernstein focuses on hitting, outfield and catching, while Standering’s on-the-field duties include infield, left-handed slap hitting, base running, conditioning and agility. Their commitment, enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for the game have helped build a respected program at the University of Minnesota. They have coached six All-Americans, 34 all-region picks, 10 first-team, 17 second-team and 10 third-team All-Big Ten selections over 17 seasons with the Gophers.

In addition to success on the field, the coaches have formulated a well-rounded student-athlete experience at the University of Minnesota. Bernstein’s and Standering’s teams have prided themselves on being active in the community and won the Minnesota Women’s Athletic Department Community Service Award five times. The players continue to promote the Golden Gopher softball program in a positive manner by being leaders in the University community.

Bernstein and Standering are also experienced clinicians, teaching softball players throughout the country. They co-own North Country Softball Camps and Clinics, which are conducted annually throughout the state of Minnesota.

During the 2000 season, Bernstein and Standering saw one of their dreams come to fruition when Minnesota opened play at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium, a 1,000-seat facility that is undoubtedly one of the finest college softball stadiums in the country. The coaches are also responsible for coordinating the Minnesota Softball Classic, a February tournament that has taken place nine times and returned to the Metrodome in 2008.

Bernstein came to Minnesota after serving as an assistant coach for five seasons at the University of Arizona. She was an assistant coach during the 1990 and ’91 seasons and served as a graduate assistant from 1987-89. During that time, Arizona recorded a 249-88 record, participated in five NCAA tournaments, and won the 1991 national title.

While at Arizona, Bernstein was responsible for coaching pitchers and catchers, coordinating and supervising practices and following the academic progress of the players. She coached a number of pitchers and catchers who earned All-America and all-conference honors.

Since 1984, Bernstein has been a softball camp administrator throughout the nation, including Minnesota, California, Nevada, Oregon and Wisconsin. She is in charge of the annual Minnesota Softball Camp held at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.

Bernstein was a four-year starter at catcher for the Wildcats from 1983-86. She batted .257 with 47 RBI and ranked sixth on the all-time putout list with 561 at the end of her career. Bernstein was a Pacific-10 all-conference selection and a second-team all-region pick her senior year. She was a GTE Academic All-America honorable mention recipient and earned most valuable player honors twice for the Wildcats.

During her academic career, Bernstein received the McKale Memorial Scholarship, a combined athletic and academic honor, and the Golden Eagle Award for excellence in academics and athletics from 1983-86.

A 1986 graduate of Arizona, Bernstein holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Bernstein earned a master’s degree in exercise and sports science from her alma mater in 1989.

Standering joined the Minnesota staff following a stellar collegiate career at Arizona. She played in a school-record 277 consecutive games, not missing a single contest during her entire career. She is tied for seventh in NCAA history in terms of games played. Standering still holds the Wildcat career record with 767 defensive assists, and at one time held the career record with 72 walks and ranked as high as second in career steals with 57.

In her senior season, Standering was a first-team All-American at shortstop, combining impressive offensive numbers with a great glove on defense. She hit .296 from the leadoff position and added a career and team-high 25 stolen bases. Standering helped Arizona to its first national championship in 1991.

After her collegiate career, Standering was the shortstop for the 1991 Pan-American Team which won a gold medal in Cuba. She is a member of a select list of players who have won a national championship, a Pan-American gold medal, an ASA national championship and a gold medal in the Olympic Festival, all in the same year.

Standering graduated from the University of Arizona in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science.

Coaching Record