LaPorte Signs Four-Year Extension as Head Coach of James Madison Softball

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison softball Head Coach Loren LaPorte received a four-year contract extension, as announced by Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne on Tuesday. The new agreement lasts until June of 2022.

"We are excited to confirm Loren LaPorte as head coach of JMU softball for the next four years," Bourne said. "Loren has grown tremendously during her years at JMU and is well suited for this opportunity. It was a tough situation this year for Loren to be given the reigns as head coach in early Fall and to then navigate a series of setbacks and adversity. Through it all, the program was able to sustain the high degree of success that we've come to expect. I have no doubt that JMU softball is in good hands moving forward."

In her first season as head coach in 2018, LaPorte guided the Dukes to a 43-14 overall record, including 19-2 in Colonial Athletic Association play. The 2018 Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year, LaPorte helped JMU earn its seventh overall and sixth consecutive NCAA Regional appearance. She coached Odicci Alexander to 2018 CAA Player of the Year and boasts five NFCA All-Region and four All-CAA student athletes. LaPorte has also instructed four All-Americans - Megan Good, Jailyn Ford, Kate Gordon and Odicci Alexander - while in Harrisonburg.

"For the past six years, I have absolutely loved my time with the JMU softball program. I am so grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank Kevin White, Jeff Bourne and Charlie King for all of their continued support throughout this process. I am so excited for the future of the program as we strive to continue to compete at the national level."

Prior to accepting the role of head coach last September, LaPorte was an assistant coach for five seasons, which included helping the program to its first-ever NCAA Super Regional appearance in 2016. Under her guidance, the Dukes recorded two seasons of at least 50 wins, setting a program record with 52 victories in the 2017 season.

During her tenure at JMU, LaPorte assisted the Dukes to three CAA Championships, including the program's first back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. Compiling a 280-70 record, including a 107-11 mark in CAA play, she helped 10 of the Dukes' infielders pick up All-CAA recognitions and 15 Dukes earn NFCA All-Region honors. LaPorte has coached six CAA Players of the Year and four CAA Rookies of the Year.

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