After nine seasons as head coach of the Utah softball team, Mona Stevens has resigned. She finished with a career 281-239-1 record, three Mountain West Conference Tournament titles and four NCAA Regional appearances since becoming the head coach in 1997.

“I am grateful for my affiliation with the University of Utah softball program,” Stevens said. “The coaches, staff and players are some of the best in the country.”

Stevens had spent a combined 17 years with the Utes as a player, assistant coach and head coach. She was an all-conference pitcher while also leading her team in batting as a senior, finishing as the only Ute to bat over .300 and hold a 1.50 ERA in her career as a player. She began her coaching career as an assistant coach from 1981-1984 and returned to coaching 10 years later as associate head coach at the University of Massachusetts from 1994-1997.

“I am very excited about the next adventure in my life,” Stevens said. “I will take with me the pride and determination I have gained from my experience at Utah.”

As for the time being, Utah will rely on assistant coaches Marianne Bullis and Kyle Magnusson to lead the team.

“Both assistants will be co-interim head coaches and will coach the entire season,” associate athletic director Mary Bowman said. “We want to keep it as the best possible situation for the season.”

The softball team began individual workouts on Monday and will compete in their first tournament of 2006 on Feb. 10 in a three-day tournament in La Cruces, N.M.

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