Jackson Vaughan transformed the Linfield softball program into an annual national-championship contender.
In 24 seasons as coach, Vaughan has amassed a career record of 894-206-2, including a 548-91 mark in the Northwest Conference. Over the past two-plus decades, he led Linfield to unprecedented success, a span that included the 2007 and 2011 NCAA Division III national championships, three super regional titles, 12 regional titles and 18 conference crowns. Twice, in 2007 and 2011, he was honored as the Division III Coach of the Year by the NFCA and has been named NWC Coach of the Year 13 of the last 18 seasons. He was selected as the top coach in the West Region in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2023. In 2004, he engineered an upset of No. 1-ranked East Texas Baptist in the regional playoffs. In 2011, Vaughan guided the Wildcats to their second national championship and third NCAA title appearance in five seasons.
Prior to becoming head coach, he served four seasons as a Wildcats assistant softball coach. He has served as a defensive coordinator and assistant football coach for the past 26 years, helping the Wildcats amass a 217-37 record since 2000. Linfield qualified for the Division III playoffs 17 of the last 23 seasons and captured the 2004 national championship with a 13-0 record.
Vaughan received a bachelor's degree from Linfield in accounting in 1997, graduating with honors. A native of Hereford, Ore., Vaughan graduated from Baker High School where he was the Greater Oregon League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.
He and his wife, Shelly, live in McMinnville, with their three daughters, Hallie, Reese and Finley.