ELMHURST, Ill., May 15, 2012 — After guiding the Elmhurst College softball team to its first trip to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament in 15 seasons, Lori Brown has stepped down as the head coach of the Bluejays. Brown, who spent the last 12 years leading the Elmhurst softball team, is planning a move to the Baltimore area to pursue other career opportunities.

"I had a wonderful time in my 12 years at Elmhurst," said Brown. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the College and I wish the program nothing but continued success. I'm going to miss my co-workers and the student-athletes that I've had the opportunity to coach."

Brown joined the Bluejays prior to the 2001 season and won over 20 games during three seasons. This past season, she guided the Bluejays to a 25-16 overall record and the team's first trip to the CCIW Tournament since the 1997 season. The 25 victories matched an Elmhurst single-season wins record set during the 1992 season. Brown, who also served as an assistant women's basketball coach at Elmhurst earlier in her career, coached 32 all-conference players in her career. She finished her career at Elmhurst with 196 victories, a school record for wins.

Brown's Elmhurst teams have repeatedly been recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for their excellence in the classroom, including having the second-highest GPA in the country for the 2005 season. The 2008 squad achieved the sixth-highest GPA in the country and Elmhurst's teams have ranked among the top-15 in the country in team GPA for the past three seasons.

"I'd like to thank Lori Brown for dedication to Elmhurst College and the Bluejay softball team," said Elmhurst athletic director Paul Krohn. "She really helped develop our softball team as evidenced by the team's success this season. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors" 

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.