CLINTON, Iowa - Ashford University softball Head Coach Kyle Yore has announced she will be stepping down from her current position to pursue other opportunities after four years at the helm effective immediately.

Yore, a graduate of then-Mount St. Clare College, originally joined the staff back in 2004 as an assistant coach for the Mounties before accepting head coaching responsibilities in time for the 2006-07 academic year.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Ashford's head coach," Yore said. "The program will be in good hands. I've had some great memories here not only as a mentor, but also as a player and a student."

"We are grateful for Coach Yore's contributions to our program over the last four years," AU Athletics Director Meg Schebler added. "She has recruited outstanding student-athletes to Ashford and as an alumnus I embrace her loyalty to our institution. We will certainly miss her and wish her well in her future endeavors."

In her first year as head coach, Yore guided Ashford to a 16-win season in 2007. She followed that up by helping standout Sarah Manning (.397 BA, 3 HR, .617 slugging percentage) earn First-Team All-Midwest Collegiate Conference honors in 2008.

The Saints struggled in 2009 with two wins, but Yore oversaw the development of now departed All-MCC performers, Whitney Bauer and Jamie Gillespie. This past season, in the midst of a 15-victory campaign, slugging first baseman Jessie Rosenow collected honorable mention all-conference accolades.

The Saints excelled academically en route to several NAIA Scholar-Team selections during her tenure. A total of 14 student-athletes last season went on to be named Academic All-MCC and three individuals earned Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors.

A national search is currently being conducted in order to find the next head coach of the Saints softball program. To apply and be considered for the position, please click here.