SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Bushnell University softball head coach Katie Duroe has announced her resignation, effective immediately.
Duroe has been hired as the head coach at NCAA Division III Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. The Beacons went 28-80 during Duroe’s three seasons at the helm, including a 17-43 mark in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Her most successful season was her last as Bushnell finished just one game out of the playoffs in 2021.
Duroe said, “I am extremely thankful to Corey Anderson, Sarah Freeman, Michael Fuller and President Womack for taking a chance on me three years ago. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to call home. The leadership and support I had at Bushnell was unparalleled. I am thankful to my assistants for all of the hard work and countless hours they gave to this program. Thank you to everyone who supported me, mentored me, and believed in me. It is really hard to leave a place you love. Bushnell will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“I am thankful and appreciative for Katie’s leadership and mentorship serving as our head coach over the last three seasons,” said athletic director Corey Anderson. “I wish her well on her continued coaching journey.”
Bushnell will begin a search for a new head coach for the program with plans to have that person in place as soon as possible for the spring 2022 season. Assistant Coaches Jim Patrick, Megan Kleist, and Saul Zuckerman will take the lead on an interim basis during the fall ball season.