ELON, N.C. – Elon University head softball coach
Patti Raduenz has resigned her position to pursue other professional opportunities, Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank announced Monday. Elon’s softball coach for the last 11 years, Raduenz became the school’s all-time winningest softball coach this season when she reached 270 victories with the team’s 7-6 win over Western Carolina on April 23.
“Patti has done a great job during her 11 years as our head coach,” said Blank. “Obviously the timing is difficult and we are disappointed to see her go, but we support her interest in pursing other career opportunities.”
Raduenz led Elon to its first Southern Conference title as the 2010 team won the league tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The program was only the second women’s program at Elon to ever reach the NCAA Tournament during its Division I era and boasted a program-best 38-21 record.
“I want to thank Dave Blank, Alan White and Elon University for the opportunity to serve as the softball coach for 11 years,” Raduenz commented. “It has been an awesome journey, one that I’ll treasure forever. I will never forget the relationships I have built with the coaches, players and fans and I truly appreciate the support of the Elon community during these years.
“Elon University is not only a great place to work, it is a wonderful community. It was a great accomplishment to win a conference title and become Elon’s second women’s program ever to reach the NCAA Tournament. I look forward to following its continued progress to being one of the top colleges in the nation and one of the best athletic programs for the student-athlete.”
A former All-Star shortstop and third baseman for the Women’s Professional Softball League, Raduenz leaves Elon with an overall record of 277-324-2. The Phoenix has surpassed 30 wins in each of the last two seasons has seen seven players earn all-conference recognition during those years.
Elon’s search for a new head softball coach will begin immediately.
-- ELON --
