MARSHALL – Southwest Minnesota State University head softball coach Jamie Dunn announced her resignation Thursday after five seasons in charge of the Mustang program.

“This was a very difficult decision for me and it came down to me wanting to be with my family and pursue other coaching opportunities in the future,” Dunn said. “I would like to thank SMSU President Dr. Connie J. Gores, Athletic Director Chris Hmielewski, and the rest of the SMSU athletic department for making this the best five years of my coaching career.”

Dunn, named the 10th head coach in team history on June 21, 2013, compiled a record of 102-141-1 during her five seasons, including 62-79-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.

Dunn helped lead SMSU to a pair of 20-plus win seasons and four straight NSIC Tournament appearances, which included winning three games in both the 2016 and 2018 tournaments. This past season, SMSU finished fourth at the 10-team NSIC Tournament, defeating three regionally ranked teams.

“I was hired to move the softball program in a positive direction and I am very proud of all that was accomplished on and off the field during my tenure,” Dunn said. “I am confident the program will continue to grow and be successful with a great group of returners and a talented class of incoming freshman.”

“Lastly, I want to thank all the wonderful people of Marshall for their support and genuine friendship,” Dunn said. “I am blessed to have been a part of the Mustang family and Marshall community. I will sincerely miss all of the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with and know during my time at SMSU.”

Dunn came to SMSU after spending the 2013 season as an assistant coach at Division II Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado. Prior to CCU, Dunn spent three seasons (2009-11) as head softball coach at Fruita Monument High School in Grand Junction, Colorado.

“Over the last five years, Coach Dunn has elevated all aspects of the SMSU softball program,” said Chris Hmielewski, SMSU Director of Athletics. “Her leadership within the department and the softball program has positively impacted coaches, staff members and our student-athletes at SMSU. She has worked hard to recruit very talented group of student-athletes to SMSU who continue to raise the level of expectations in the classroom, on the field and in our community.”

“We are very fortunate to have had Coach Dunn as part of the Mustang family and the Marshall community,” Hmielewski said. “We wish her continued success and happiness in her move back to Grand Junction, Colorado.”

Hmielewski said a search to replace Dunn would begin immediately.

Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications