Reese Resigns As Softball Coach

MOORHEAD, Minn. (6/03/16)—Mike Reese announced his resignation as head coach of the Concordia softball team after recently completing his fourth season.

Reese, who also works as the Director of Student Success and Retention Services at the college, cited the time commitment to handle both positions as the main reason to step away from the softball program.

"Given my responsibilities here at the college as Director of Student Success and Retention and the time required to be a head coach, I feel it is the right time for me to consider stepping away from my coaching responsibilities," Reese said.

Concordia steadily improved during Reese's four years at the helm of the Cobbers. Concordia finished with 18 overall wins in 2016 which is the most by a Cobber team since the 2002 season. CC also had five conference wins this past year which was the most in Reese's four campaigns.

In addition to his team success, Reese also helped several individuals post school-record statistics. Pitcher Abigail Haraldson broke the school's single-season strikeout record in 2016 and outfielder Madison Little became only the 15th player in program history to reach the 100-hit milestone. Reese guided eight players to MIAC All-Conference honors during his tenure as head coach.

Concordia Interim Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson praised Reese for all the time he spent in helping the program get better. "Mike did a terrific job of helping our student/athletes improve as individuals and as a team. We want to thank him for all his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the program. He will be missed."    

Before taking on the head coaching responsibilities for softball, Reese had been the assistant coach for the Cobber baseball team for six years.

Reese has been involved in coaching for 35 years. He was a successful high school and amateur coach in Louisville, Ky.   

"It's always hard to decide or recognize when it's time to end something and move on to another chapter in life," Reese added. "I've always looked at life's journey as there is never really an end to what we do - but more a point where one story ends and another one begins."

Bergeson said that a search for Reese's successor will begin as soon as possible.