GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Dennis Shores, head coach of Guilford College softball team, will step down after 17 years at the helm for the Quakers.
"I am thankful for the opportunity Guilford has given me this past 17 years to help develop a great group of young ladies for life after college," Shores said. "As a coaching professional you will forget the wins and losses but you won't forget the people you have developed friendships with."
Shores took over the Quaker softball program prior to the 2007 season and quickly turned the program around. Within his first five seasons, Shores led Guilford to 20 or more wins four times. In 2017, the Quakers hit the 30-win mark for the first time in program history. Now after 17 seasons, Shores has compiled a career record of 349-300-4.
"Dennis has served Guilford College and our softball program with care and distinction for the past 17 years," said Director of Athletics, Bill Foti. "We thank him for his service to the college and our student-athletes and wish him all the best in this next chapter in his life."
He has helped guide players to All-ODAC honors more than 44 times including 13 first team honors. Under his tutelage, 15 players have received National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) honors along with a recipient of the inaugural Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
Shores came to Guilford after three seasons as an assistant coach at Neumann (Pa.) College, during which time the Knights compiled a 60-52 record. He worked with head coach Bill Saar and helped Neumann to its first Pennsylvania Athletic Conference title and NCAA Division III Tournament berth in 2006.
"Stepping down from the head coaching position will give me more of an opportunity to focus on what's important to me, working with players on a more personal basis and my family," Shores added.
A native of Chester County, Pa., Shores founded and coached the Chester County Stars, a United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) softball program with youth teams in five age groups. He served as Tournament Director for the Stars College Showcase and as president of GGS Fastpitch. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, Shores hosted winter pitching clinics in the Downingtown (Pa.) area for six years and is also an experienced hitting instructor.
