SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Indiana University South Bend softball coach Brittney Lightfoot has stepped down after three seasons at the helm to spend more time with her family.
“It’s been such an honor to be a part of IU South Bend Athletics the last three seasons,” said Lightfoot. “I would like to thank Athletic Director, Steve Bruce for entrusting me with the development of Titan softball and the opportunity to work with such a great staff. I also want to thank the many student-athletes who helped lay a solid foundation for our softball program. In just three seasons, their dedication has paid off. I look forward to following the program and am excited for what the future holds.”
Coach Lightfoot was the first softball coach at IU South Bend as the program began competing in 2017.
“What Brittney has done with our softball program, in a three year period, is remarkable,” said Steve Bruce, IU South Bend Director of Athletics. “Her program fulfills the vision of our athletic department…excellence on the playing field, in the classroom, and in the community. Her players represent the highest level of integrity and “Teamness,” taking on the personality of their coach…compassionate, competitive, industrious, and selfless.”
The Titans compiled a 51-55 record over Lightfoot’s three-year tenure, including two wins over ranked opponents. The 2018 team made the program’s first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament appearance where they upset top-seeded University of Saint Francis.
Lightfoot’s 2019 squad set the record for wins in a season (23) and conference wins (14) and the team put together a six-game winning streak, the longest in program history. Making another conference tournament appearance in 2019, the Titans won their opening round game against Saint Ambrose University.
This season’s IU South Bend team boasted two All-Conference CCAC members including Nicole Grazioli (first-team) and Brooke Boss (second-team).
Natalie Newell will assume the duties as the head softball coach effective immediately. Newell has been an assistant with the program since its inception.
Newell was in charge of a pitching staff that posted a 5.20 earned run average and struck out 185 batters in 2019.