Dixie State College of Utah Athletic Director Dexter Irvin announced that Beth Collett has stepped down as head women's softball coach. Collett was in her first year as the head coach of the Red Storm.
Irvin stated, “After the great year that we experienced in softball it is disappointing to lose such a quality person in our athletic department. We will regroup and hire the best available person for our program. The team, the institution and our softball community deserve no less”
Collett spent one season at the helm of the Red Storm. Leading the youthful NCAA institution to many firsts. Her team hosted the first-ever NCAA Regional tournament, NCAA Super-Regional tournament and the most impressive feat of all a trip to the NCAA DII Women’s Softball National Championship in Salem, VA. Despite the less than successful attempt trip to the National Championships, her Red Storm team finished 41-13, good enough for a stellar #6 ranking in the final National Fast Pitch Coaches Association poll.
Her team was made up of eight freshman, four sophomores, 1 junior, and three seniors. Off the field they amassed a cumulative GPA of 3.06. Beth always expected the best of her players on and off the field.
Coach Collett said, “I am going to miss the players and the relationships that I built with them over the past year. We made a great run not only at making school history but bringing the first ever NCAA Championship back home.”
The softball position at Dixie State is a “part-time” position that pays $15,000 per year. Due to this fact, the coaches need to have another “full-time” job. Beth has been employed in the outdoor recreation business and due to the current economic downturn and a need to support herself; Coach Collett has had to look at other opportunities.
Collett concluded, ”I have had to make a tough decision in moving on and stepping away from coaching, but feel like this what I need to do for me right now. I am very grateful to the players, parents, fans, my assistants, the athletic department and the institution for this opportunity. It has been quite a year!!!!”
Irvin closed, “Beth managed a great team and helped them to become winners on the field and in the classroom. She solidified a staff that as a team has seen more than its share of turnover in coaching. I am grateful for the great year that she managed our team, and the current assistants and I are committed to keeping our softball program at a national level of play.”
Irvin said that the search for a new softball coach would begin immediately. Anyone interested in the position should contact the Dixie State College Athletic Department.
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FOR TRANSACTIONS: Dixie State College of Utah announces resignation of head women's softball coach Beth Collett.