By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Damian Williams has resigned as head coach of the Willamette University softball team. Williams was in his 21st year as the team's head coach. He earned a career record of 361-365 with the Bearcats, including 271-249 in Northwest Conference action. Last year, he set the Willamette record for most career wins with one team when he picked up his 358th victory, surpassing Gordie James, who registered 357 wins during 22 seasons as the head coach of the Willamette men's basketball team.

Williams led the Bearcats to six straight 20-win seasons from 2005 through 2010. During those six seasons, Willamette achieved a combined record of 143-74 (.659). Later, he led Willamette to NWC Tournament berths in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Williams was named NWC Coach of the Year in 2000, after coaching the Bearcats to a 25-10 overall record and a second place tie in the NWC at 15-6.

"Damian has had a tremendous impact on our softball program, our department, and all across campus, the past twenty years," Willamette Director of Athletics Rob Passage said. "We are thankful for his time with us and wish him well in his future endeavors."

A national search with a regional focus for Willamette's next head softball coach will begin immediately.