EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Jim Phillips announced today (Sept. 20) the signing of NU head softball coach Kate Drohan to a five-year contract extension. The extension ensures that Kate, who -- along with her twin sister, associate head coach Caryl Drohan -- has led the Wildcats program since 2002, will continue the Drohan era in Evanston through 2023.

"We are thrilled to be able to keep one of the nation's premier softball leaders in our dugout for years to come," Phillips said. "Kate's student-athletes are shining examples of what it means to achieve in the classroom, in the community and in competition. In addition to earning a perfect NCAA APR, stellar academic accolades and leadership in community service initiatives, Northwestern softball has played for the national championship and won multiple Big Ten titles on the diamond. Their current momentum in recruiting proves the future is just as bright, and we could not be more excited."

"Caryl and I are grateful for the support from Dr. Phillips, President Schapiro and the University," Drohan said. "The investment in the Athletics department overall and in our program specifically has allowed us to continue to create the environment of excellence that we strive for on a daily basis. Our collective commitment to win Big Ten championships, return to Oklahoma City, and achieve in the classroom and community has never been stronger."

Drohan, who has the third-highest overall winning percentage in Big Ten history and the second-highest in conference games among coaches with 10 years of experience, has led Northwestern to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven Regional championship rounds, four Super Regionals and a pair of Women's College World Series berths in her 17 seasons at the helm. Drohan ranks fourth in Big Ten history in coaching conference championships, and led the Wildcats back to the Big Ten Tournament title game in her most-recent season of 2018.

The Drohans have coached eight different Wildcats to 15 total NFCA All-America honors, with the most-recent accolade going to first-year sensation Rachel Lewis in 2018. NU has earned 83 All-Big Ten awards and 10 Wildcats have been selected in the National Professional Fastpitch (NPF) senior draft or gone on to play in the league during the Drohan era.

Drohan took over the Northwestern program in 2002 following the retirement of her mentor and longtime Wildcats leader, Sharon J. Drysdale, who led NU to three Women's College World Series during a 23-year career. Building on the success NU has had throughout its history, Drohan (570 wins) and Drysdale (640 wins) make the Wildcats one of just five programs nationwide to have two different coaches reach 500 victories at the same school.

Academically, Northwestern softball currently has a perfect 1,000 NCAA Academic Progress Rate. NU has won 138 Academic All-Big Ten honors, 16 CoSIDA Academic All-District and seven Academic All-America honors under the Drohans.

Coming off a 38-19 season in 2018 that included four postseason victories, Northwestern's momentum is high. The Drohans signed the nation's ninth-ranked recruiting Class of 2022, who will take the field alongside five returning NFCA All-Region or All-Big Ten returners in 2019.

Northwestern will open its fall season with a pair of games Sunday, September 30, at Sharon J. Drysdale Field. The full fall ball schedule also includes a trio of youth clinics surrounding games at The J.

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Kate Drohan Inks Five-Year Contract Extension With The 'Cats

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Players Mentioned

Rachel Lewis

Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics

Kate Drohan Inks Five-Year Contract Extension With The 'Cats

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