May 15, 2009
(release courtesy of Jon Denham, Loras College sports information)

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . Loras College Interim Director of Athletics Brad Soderberg has tendered his resignation to become Head Basketball Coach at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Loras President Jim Collins named Soderberg to the post on an interim basis for the 2008-09 year in July 2008.

During Soderberg’s one-year interim appointment, it was agreed that, he would help to facilitate a planning process for the athletics’ department to mesh with the College’s recently adopted five-year plan. Further, he would spend time helping to promote Loras’ athletic programs externally. In exchange, he would have time to reflect and determine whether or not he wanted his future in intercollegiate athletic administration or coaching.

Brad Soderberg provided an excellent five year plan for the Loras athletic program and garnered great exposure for significant athletic success during the 2008-09 year, but he ultimately chose coaching.

President Jim Collins noted, “Brad Soderberg fulfilled all of his responsibilities during his year at Loras. We are sorry to see him leave, but knew he had a strong passion for coaching basketball and it would likely win out. The Loras community is grateful to Brad for his good work and we wish him much continued success at Lindenwood.”

Collins is optimistic about the future direction of the department. “Loras was nationally ranked near the top of all NCAA III standings throughout the past two years. This past year, we had five conference MVP’s, two coaches named conference coach of year, a team make it to the Final Four and one coach named as the prestigious Fr. John Nauman Award recipient. The Loras athletic program is as strong as it has ever been and we will have a number of quality options to pursue in naming the next athletic director.”

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