Newbern Submits Resignation as Head Coach

National Search Planned for Successor

Newbern spent four years at UNM.
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July 19, 2006

University of New Mexico head softball coach Kim Newbern has resigned her position effective immediately. Newbern said she will pursue interests outside of coaching.

UNM athletics director Paul Krebs said a national search for Newbern's successor will begin immediately.

Newbern became just the second head coach in the history of New Mexico softball when she replaced Susan Craig after the 2002 season. Newbern posted a four-year record of 94-137-1, including 19-60 in Mountain West Conference games. Her 10-year collegiate record stands at 303-248-1.

"I specifically want to recognize the effort and hard work of our coaching staff and student-athletes over the past four years," said Newbern. "I enjoyed my time working with the people at UNM."

Newbern came to UNM after six years as head coach at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. The Ichabods went 209-111 with a pair of conference titles.

A 1994 graduate of Kansas University, Newbern was a two-year starter at third base and helped the Jayhawks to a 68-35-1 record. She was an academic all-Big Eight selection in 1994.

"We will conduct a national search for what we feel is an outstanding opportunity for several reasons," said Krebs of the vacancy. "First, the state legislature has provided funding ($1.5 million over the past two years) for facility improvements, plus the high caliber of high school softball played in the state of New Mexico offers optimism about the program's future. We hope to get someone in place very soon."