After 30 years of coaching, Sacramento State softball head coach Kathy Strahan has announced her retirement.

Since 1993, she has led the Hornets to 576 victories, including a Pacific Coast Softball Championship in 2008 and three NCAA Regional appearances in 1993, 1995 and 2008.

Strahan made the decision last week, but did not make it known to the public or her team until last Friday.

“I wanted some time to think about it and make sure it was the right decision,” Strahan said. “It has been on my mind throughout the course of the year. It’s a one way street and you can’t go back.”

Strahan said her decision to retire was based on fatigue and the amount of time traveling.

“You don’t see many 70-year-old softball coaches out there for a reason,” Strahan said, jokingly.

The long-time head coach has not reached the age of 70, but after more than 45 years of being involved as both a player and a coach, she said she knew it was time to take an extended vacation.

“I’m really going to miss the day-to-day contact with the athletes,” Strahan said. “I really love this team.”

When Strahan called each of her players to tell them the news, she said they reminisced.

Sac State junior pitcher Caitlin Brooks said she was shocked to hear the news that her coach was retiring.

“I knew she really wanted to win a Big Sky Championship, so I figured she would wait for that, but I’m really happy for her,” Brooks said. 

Prior to Sac State, she coached at Cal State Dominguez Hills from 1984-85 and San Jose State from 1986-1992. As a college head coach, she finished with 823 wins, putting her 44th in the nation in wins. She was also the third longest tenured head coach on campus, falling in behind gymnastics coach Kim Hughes and men’s soccer coach Michael Linenburger.

“Kathy has been just awesome to work with and I really enjoyed our time (working) together,” said Sac State athletic director Terry Wanless. “While it’s sad in one respect, it’s really positive in another, because the program is in good shape and we will continue to build upon the foundation she is leaving for us.”

There is no information at this time on who will take over as head coach of the program, but both assistant coaches Cara Hoyt and Lori Perez will remain on the staff. The Hornets finished last season with a 19-12 (13-7) record.