PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Plattsburgh State head softball coach Sam Van Dorn, who led the Cardinals to two State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament appearances across four years at the helm of the program, has stepped down from her position to pursue other opportunities, as announced Thursday by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation.
 
A national search will begin immediately to find Van Dorn's replacement.
 
"Samantha has done a terrific job leading our program, and we wish her the very best in this next chapter of her career," Plattsburgh State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Mike Howard said. "We take great pride in the tradition of success our softball program has developed over a number of years, and she certainly played a significant role in continuing that during her time leading the Cardinals."
 
Van Dorn helped guide four student-athletes to five All-SUNYAC honors during her tenure with the Cardinals, and Plattsburgh State's doubleheader sweep of SUNY Cortland last season was its first over the perennial power since 2006. She helped lead Plattsburgh State to a 22-12 overall (11-7 SUNYAC) record in 2023, marking the program's best record since the 2017 campaign.