Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Kate Stake has resigned from her position as head coach of the softball program.

“I want to thank Coach Stake for her total commitment to Valparaiso University, Valpo Softball, and most importantly, the young women who make up the Valpo Softball program,” LaBarbera said. “The energy and passion she put into providing the members of the softball program a quality Valpo experience has made a lifelong impact on those women and is greatly appreciated. We wish Coach Stake all the best as she moves forward.”

Stake recently completed her seventh season at the helm of the Valpo softball program. She led the program to 119 victories, including the 2016 Horizon League Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament that season. She also guided the Brown and Gold through the transition from the Horizon League into the Missouri Valley Conference in 2018. In her time at Valpo, Stake coached eight All-Conference honorees, including a Horizon League Player of the Year and a Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year, and a trio of All-Region recipients.

A nationwide search for the next head coach of the Valpo softball program will begin immediately.