May 13, 2003

FURMAN'S FLYNN RESIGNS POST, RETIRES FROM COACHING

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman softball coach Bonnie Flynn announced on Tuesday that she is retiring from coaching effective June 30 of this year, after 13 years as a collegiate coach, eight at the helm of the Lady Paladin program.

During Flynn¹s Furman tenure, which began in 1996, Lady Paladin players received 14 All-Southern Conference citations, two Southern Conference Player of the Year Awards, four Academic All-District nods, and seven NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Academic Scholar Athlete Awards. In addition, Flynn was twice named Southern Conference Coach of the Year and led the Lady Paladins to the finals of the league tournament on three occasions.

"I have reached a point in my life where I would like to know what a weekend is like," said Flynn. "I have enjoyed coaching, but it is very demanding and requires a lot of time on the road and on the phone. I am ready to use my talents and abilities in different ways and will be searching for a job in the Greenville area."

Flynn, who officiates boys and girls high school and Division II women's basketball, may also pursue officiating at the Division I level. She also expects to continue work at various softball clinics, thereby staying involved in the two sports she competed in as an undergraduate at Yale University. "I am sure I won't totally walk away from softball. I will miss the game and the daily contact with the players, but hopefully I can enjoy it as a hobby and find more balance with my personal time.²"

Athletics director Gary Clark says a nationwide search for Flynn's replacement will begin immediately. "We will certainly miss Bonnie and appreciate the commitment she has made to our softball program, but we understand her interest in pursuing a career change and support her in this decision. She has left the program in great shape and I expect we will have many qualified candidates hoping to take the reins."