LaPorte Elevated to Head Coach of JMU Softball as Dean Departs

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne announced on Thursday that Loren LaPorte has been named softball head coach, a transition that coincides with Mickey Dean accepting the head coach position at Auburn.

"JMU stands today as the preeminent program on the East Coast and a national contender and we are committed to maintaining that status as we transition," Bourne said. "Loren's appointment as interim coach is an important piece to that commitment to success. She has a great rapport with our student-athletes, has been a key piece to our success over the last five years and is committed to our departmental vision. Without question, Mickey Dean elevated JMU softball to become a consistent top-25 program on the national level and we wish him well."

"I would like to thank Jeff Bourne and his staff for giving me this incredible opportunity to lead such an amazing group of softball student-athletes," LaPorte said. "I will strive to carry on the great tradition and culture that has been established and to get the very best out of each and every player. I am extremely grateful for my time coaching with Mickey Dean and for all the knowledge and advice that he has given me over the years. I've always loved the support of the JMU community and will do everything I can to make the fans and university proud."

LaPorte arrived at JMU for the 2012-13 campaign and has served on Dean's staff in each of his five seasons in Harrisonburg. She contributed heavily to JMU hosting two NCAA Regionals, a NCAA Super Regional against LSU and capturing three CAA titles. LaPorte followed Dean to JMU, having served on his staff at Radford for three seasons with the Highlanders going 110-59. LaPorte served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Roanoke College, in 2009. As a student-athlete she was a four-time, First Team All-ODAC standout and helped the Maroons win conference titles in 2005 and 2006.

JMU has gone 237-56 in the last five seasons, advancing to the NCAA in each season with the three CAA Championships and four CAA regular-season titles. The Dukes improved their winning percentage in each of Dean's first four campaigns and set a program wins record in each of the five season. He inherited a 30-26 team and proceeded to go 42-17 in 2013, 45-15 in 2014, 48-10 in 2015, 50-6 in 2016 and 52-8 in 2017. JMU

Dean said, "There are no words to express the unbelievable experience I have had as the softball head coach at JMU. I have had the opportunity to work with great people, including my assistants, support staff, administration, players and the community. I am so grateful to Jeff Bourne, Kevin White, Charlie King and President Alger for their confidence in allowing me to guide this program for the past five years. To everyone, thank you. Go Dukes!"

James Madison returns six members of its starting lineup in 2018, including Megan Good, the NFCA National Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. Good went 38-3 in the circle with a 0.63 ERA while batting .383 with 12 home runs and 58 RBIs. Morgan Tolle hit .375 15 doubles and five home runs. CAA Rookie of the Year Odicci Alexander went 11-5 with a 2.35 ERA while batting .333 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs.

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