SAN DIEGO – Melissa McElvain resigned from her position as head coach of the San Diego softball program on Tuesday.
 
McElvain served as the Toreros head coach for 18 seasons and is the program's all-time leader in wins. She has coached USD players to 81 all-conference honors and guided four players to six NFCA All-West Region honors. She was the WCC Coach of the Year in 2016.
 
"I am so honored to have led the USD softball program for the past 18 seasons," said McElvain. "I have seen so much positive growth and improvement in this program and I'm so proud of all the hard work and dedication my assistant coaches and all of my players have contributed over the years. As this program has grown, I too, have grown with the program."
 
"I have grown as a professional, as a Christian, I have become a mother of two amazing daughters, and I have made some lifelong friendships at USD. Thank you to all the administrators, staff, assistant coaches and alumnae who have trusted me, believed in me and shared so many special memories with me."
 
"As much as I have absolutely loved every day of my 18 years as USD's head softball coach, I feel in my heart that it's time to spend more quality time with my family. As much as I love competing, recruiting and traveling – I want to be more present at home, for my amazing husband Ryan and our beautiful daughters Mia and Kamryn."
 
"It has been an incredible honor to lead this program and represent this prestigious university. Now, I am excited for the next chapter in my life, more time with my family and new adventures ahead!"
 
McElvain emphasized academic success among her players with 88 Toreros earning PCSC Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition and 15 players combining for 25 WCC All-Academic Team honors since 2014.
 
"We are truly grateful for the dedicated service Coach McElvain has provided our softball program for the last 18 years," said Bill McGillis, Associate Vice President/Executive Director of Athletics. "She has poured her heart and soul into our program; leading the Toreros with an unwavering commitment to winning with integrity both on and off the playing field. Coach Mac has represented the university with class throughout her tenure and laid a foundation upon which we will build future success. We wish her the very best in the next chapter of her career."
 
The Toreros finished among the top three teams in the WCC in four of the past six years, and have recorded at least 20 wins in each of the past 11 seasons.
 
McElvain coached a number of Toreros to notable individual accomplishments, including the 2011 PCSC Coastal Division Player of the Year (Taylor Hensley), two PCSC Freshmen of the Year (Jennifer Ellenbeck, 2007; Rebekah Bradford, 2004), the 2014 WCC Pitcher of the Year (Cassidy Coleman), and two WCC Freshmen of the Year (Kailey Hill, 2015; Lauren Kane, 2016).
 
Additionally, McElvain coached catcher Sara Mason who was named a 2006 ESPN The Magazine third-team Academic All-America, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District and PCSC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Jennifer Ellenbeck took home ESPN Academic All-America honors in 2010.
 
McElvain has led by example throughout her tenure and was honored in 2018 with the NFCA's Humanitarian Award for donating a kidney in 2013 to one of her best friends, Dana Findley.
 
McElvain's family has been a part of the program throughout her tenure, including her daughters Kamryn and Mia.
 
"For the past 11 years, I've loved growing up at the USD softball field," said Kamryn. "It's been so much fun watching my mom coach, attending her softball camps, making forts behind the outfield fence during games and run the bases after the games. I will miss USD Softball, but I'm excited to spend more time with my mom and can't wait for the new fun ahead."
 
"Growing up around USD softball has been an extraordinary experience," said Mia. "Whether it's watching the annual Home Run Trot videos, getting to ride on the USD bus with the team or hosting the annual Christmas parties – my family will never forget those memories! Seeing my mom coach has taught me about hard work, trust and dedication."
 
San Diego will immediately begin a nationwide search for its next head coach.