ROCKFORD, Ill. - Josh Keener has resigned his position as Rockford University's head softball effective immediately, RU Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan announced. Coach Keener is leaving Rockford to accept the head softball coaching position at the University of Dubuque. 

"While I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, it does come with mixed emotions," Coach Keener stated. "Rockford University has been my home for the past decade as a student, coach and adjunct professor. In just about every way, I have grown up on the campus of Rockford University. I will forever be grateful for my time spent and the opportunities afforded to me at RU."

"I would like to thank Coach Keener for his efforts during his tenure at Rockford University," Mulligan stated. "He did a phenomenal job in changing the culture of our softball program. I wish him and his wife, Morgan, all the best in their future endeavors." 

Coach Keener did an outstanding job of reinvigorating the RU softball program during his five years at the helm. Rockford won more games over his final two seasons (39), than the Regents had won in the four years combined (29) just prior to Keener taking over. In the 2021 season, Rockford qualified for the NACC Tournament and won a NACC Tournament game for the first time in program history. The Regents' 23 wins that year were by far the most in a single-season since 2006, and Rockford also set a program record with 11 conference victories. Keener's players received nine all-conference awards and had one all-region honoree during his tenure.  

In addition to their triumphs on the field, the RU softball players were also highly successful in the classroom over the last five years. Rockford had 53 NACC Scholar-Athletes over that span and won the President's Cup, which is awarded to the Rockford University team with the highest GPA for a given year, in each of the past four seasons. 

"I am extremely proud of and grateful for the dedication of our softball student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom these past five years," Keener remarked. "Together we brought the program to new heights and set numerous records along the way. I will greatly miss our players, students and staff. I would also like to specifically thank Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan and Head Baseball Coach Bob Koopmann for their guidance and mentorship. As a proud alum, I will always support the Regents and look forward to watching their future successes from afar. "

A national search to fill the position will begin immediately.