After nine seasons as the head softball coach at Lourdes University, Jo Ann Gordon has announced her resignation from the program.
 
Gordon arrived at Lourdes in 2011, starting the softball program from scratch and has been the only head coach the school has ever had in the sport.  The Gray Wolves took to the field for the first time in the spring of 2013 under her guidance.  She was the head coach for more than 300 games at Lourdes.
 
"Unfortunately, I am stepping down from my position as head softball coach," Gordon stated.  "As this is a difficult decision, I do this for personal reasons.  My own health and wellness need to become a priority.  I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Gawelek and Janet Eaton for their vision, support, and leadership."
 
In 2016, Gordon guided Lourdes to a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference tournament runner-up finish, and a berth in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round, the first tournament appearance in program history.
 
Gordon coached 18 All-WHAC selections during her time at Lourdes, including seven First Team picks and two Second Team honorees.  She also produced two NFCA All-Great Lakes Region First Team and two Second Team selections during her tenure at the helm of the Gray Wolves.
 
She emphasized the student portion of student-athlete as well, having 38 players named to the WHAC All-Academic Team.  The Gray Wolves have been named a NAIA Scholar Team all eight years she has guided the program and 28 softball players have been named NAIA Scholar-Athletes.  In addition, Gordon has produced four CoSIDA Academic All-American selections, two First Team and two Second Team picks.  She has also had six student-athletes named CoSIDA Academic All-District I First Team.
 
She also served as Lourdes' athletics director for three years, from 2016 through 2018 before moving into an associate athletic director role in the summer of 2018.
 
"I am very thankful for all the hard work Coach Gordon put toward building the softball program," Lourdes athletics director Janet Eaton said.  "I know her players benefited from her knowledge and passion for the game.  In her current role as the Associate AD/head coach, she provided support and growth to the department.  I look forward to supporting her in the next phase of her career."
 
A national search for her replacement will take place.