May 14, 2009
(release courtesy of Jon Denham, Loras College sports information)

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . Loras College Interim Director of Athletics Brad Soderberg announced to the department Wednesday the hiring of Ashley Rogers as the new head softball coach at Loras College. Rogers takes the reins from three-year head coach Katie Koopmann '03, who submitted her resignation shortly after the conclusion of the season earlier this month. Koopmann cited personal reasons for the departure, and will remain with the Duhawks through the month of May, at which time Rogers - her assistant during the 2009 season - will take over.

“This a personal decision that allows me to spend more time with my family,” Koopmann said regarding the choice to move on. “I wish the team the very best as they continue to grow under Coach Rogers.”

Koopmann was 44-53 in her three seasons in charge of the squad, going 15-31 in the nationally recognized Iowa Conference. The Duhawks made one appearance in the IIAC Tournament in 2007, Koopmann’s first season. Koopmann has also been a professor in the Physical Education and Sports Studies Department.

Ashley Rogers, a Dubuque native, graduate of Wahlert High School, and a former student-athlete in the Iowa Conference will have her first head coaching position in the league she dominated as recently as the spring 2008 season. Rogers' career with Wartburg College included All-IIAC and All-American selections in volleyball and All-IIAC and All-Region selections in softball. She was a career .360 hitter with 29 homeruns and 132 RBI over her career.

“I am very excited about taking over this position and very thankful to Loras College for providing me with this amazing opportunity,” Rogers said in a statement she shared with the department on Thursday.

Rogers will remain the assistant coach with the 2008 Iowa Conference champion Duhawks volleyball team as part of her new position.

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