WASHINGTON, Pa. -- After 10 seasons leading the Washington & Jefferson College softball program, head coach Nicole Vitello has announced her resignation to pursue other professional opportunities outside of coaching.

Vitello leaves W&J as the most tenured coach and all-time wins leader in the 31 seasons of the program's existence. After taking over in 2008, she amassed 166 wins -- nearly double that of second place -- and posted a .459 winning percentage (166-196). Her teams won 25-plus games three different times.

A 2006 graduate of Binghamton University (SUNY) where she was a two-time all-conference pick, Vitello earned a pair of Presidents' Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards and led the Presidents to the 2014 PAC Championship and an appearance in the 2014 NCAA Division III Softball Championship.

"We thank Coach Vitello for all of her contributions to the W&J softball program over the last decade," said Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness. "We experienced seasons of great success under her leadership, including the 2014 NCAA regional appearance, and we wish her the best of luck."

Vitello was honored on the Olean (N.Y.) High School Athletic Wall of Fame this summer. 

"I'm very thankful that during my time at W&J I've made some wonderful friendships and great memories," said Vitello.

A search for the next W&J softball coach will begin immediately.