From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis Interim Director of Athletics Justin X. Carroll announced Friday that head softball coach Leticia Pineda-Boutté has resigned after leading the Bears the past 11 seasons.

"It is with deep regret that I have decided to announce my resignation as softball coach at WashU," said Pineda-Boutté. "I have been dealing with back issues for the past few years, and even though my heart and mind are very much still "in the game", the physical demands of the position have realistically become too taxing at this time."

Pineda-Boutté, the winningest coach in school history, posted a 351-133-1 (.725) overall record in 11 seasons on the Danforth Campus. The Bears recorded 11-straight seasons of at least 25 wins under Pineda-Boutté, and won six University Athletic Association (UAA) titles, while also making 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. 

She mentored seven student-athletes to National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America honors, including 2016 honorees Hannah Mehrle and Annie Pitkin. Pineda-Boutté's teams also excelled in the classroom, with seven individuals earning nine Academic All-America honors.

"I know that this was a very difficult decision. Leticia has had phenomenal success as the Bears' head coach. Her love for the game is only surpassed by her love for her players," said Carroll. "She has developed a very competitive program within the UAA and on the national level.  I wish her the very best."

In her second season on the Danforth Campus in 2007, Pineda-Boutté guided the Bears to an NCAA runner-up finish. That same year she was named the NFCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year.

WashU finished the 2016 season with a 35-12 overall record, and placed second in the UAA standings. The Bears also qualified for the NCAA Tournament and posted a 1-2 record.

A national search will begin immediately.