DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque has named Kristen Duross as the school's 17^th softball coach in school history. 

Duross was an assistant coach for Clarke University (since July 2022) and most recently the interim head coach for the Pride (spring 2023). She was a four-year letterwinner (2012-2015) for the University of Southern Maine Huskies (NCAA Division III) and started and played in 158 games finishing with a .310 career hitting average, slugging percentage of .440. She finished her collegiate career with 144 hits and 83 RBI's and committed just 11 errors in 204 attempts (.949 fielding percentage). Duross was a team captain (2013-15), Second Team-All Conference (2014 – Outfield), First Team All-Conference (2015 – Outfield), and a Paula D. Hogdon Leadership Award Nominee in 2015.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity to be the next head coach of UD softball and become part of the Spartan family," stated Duross. "I want to thank the search committee, Nelson Edmonds (Vice president of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics), and everyone who helped in the process, for trusting me to lead this program. I'm excited to get back into Division III athletics and build a high academic, competitive program."
 
Prior to Clarke University she was the head softball coach at Wheelock College in Boston, Mass and varsity high school softball coach at Cape Elizabeth High School in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (2020-2022). In 2021, Duross led the Capers to an undefeated 21-0 season and a state championship. She was named Coach of the Year in 2021. She also coached the Junior Swamp Bats (12 and under) in Marlborough, N.H., Brand New Ballgame (16 and under) in Wrentham, Mass., Wheelock College head softball coach in Boston, Mass. 
 
Duross was selected to attend the 2019 NCAA/Women's Leaders in College Sports Institute for Administrative Advancement, the 2019 NCAA/Women's Leaders in College Sports Women's leadership Symposium, and the 2019 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar.
 
"I look forward to working with my current players, commits, and the talented recruits I plan to continue to bring to this program," added Duross. "My goal is when my players leave the UD softball program, they are fully equipped to conquer life and be leaders in the real world. I'm excited to see what they can achieve on and off the field."
 
The Saco, Maine native earned her bachelor of science in business administration from University of Southern Maine (2015) and her master of science in recreation and sport administration degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. in 2017. She resides in Dubuque.
 
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For further information, please contact Paul Misner, director of sports information, at 563.589.3168 or pmisner@dbq.edu.