Bridges steps down as head softball coach

WHITTIER, Calif. - Whittier College head softball coach Jennifer Bridges, who has guided the Poets to back-to-back 20-win seasons, is stepping down after two years with the purple and gold. She has accepted a position at Division II Sonoma State University.

"I'm extremely grateful for my time at Whittier," said Bridges. "It was a very difficult decision to make but I am excited about the challenges ahead of me."

Bridges joined the Whittier staff prior to the 2008 season. In two years she accumulated a 45-35 record which includes a trip to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason tournament in 2009.

The '09 campaign saw the purple and gold accumulate its most wins since the 1987 season. Bridges had four players named to the all-conference team and one, Mary Pacheco, earn All-West Region honors.

"I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that Jennifer has put into the softball program over the past 2 years," said Director of Athletics Robert Coleman.  "She represented the College with dignity and class and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors."

Sonoma State is a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, went 36-25 last year and advanced to the NCAA Division II West Regional.

"You can rest assure I will work diligently in finding someone who will lead our softball program and guide our student-athletes," said Coleman.  "I want to make sure we keep the high standards that have been developed for the program and I expect that we will find the best person to move the program forward."

Also see:

• Sonoma State Official Release: Jennifer Bridges Named Head Softball Coach