Shanda Ness
Gustavus Adolphus College head softball coach Shanda Ness has resigned her position effective immediately, Athletic Director Al Molde announced on Wednesday.
Ness, a 1993 graduate of Northern State University, has directed the Gustavus softball program for the past eight years. Her teams compiled an overall record of 164-120 for a winning percentage of .577. In league play, Ness’ teams posted a mark of 116-60 for a winning percentage of .659. In 2003, the Britton, South Dakota native, directed the Gusties to a record of 27-11 and earned the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament bid. The team won the MIAC title with a record of 21-1. After posting a record of 26-46 in her first two seasons at Gustavus, Ness directed the Gusties to six consecutive winning seasons and a mark of 148-74 (.667).
“I am very grateful for my eight years at Gustavus,” stated Ness. “It has been a wonderful experience and I cherish the relationships I have made here.” She added, “My immediate plans include being the assistant athletic director at Camp Laurel in Readfield, Maine. I am keeping my options open for any long-term plans at this point.”
Gustavus will now begin its search for the sixth head coach in the 38-year history of the program. The Gusties have compiled an all-time mark of 487-370 (.568) winning Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in 1990 and 2003. The athletic department will conduct a national search with the hopes of getting a new coach in place as soon as possible.