SUNY Brockport Softball Head Coach John Dumaw will step away from his head coaching duties this month after 25 seasons as the Golden Eagles bench general.  A national search for a full-time head softball coach is currently underway. 

"I know I will miss the game, especially the players. After 60 years in the game, 35 as a player and 25 coaching, it's time to turn things over to somebody younger," said Dumaw. "The passion for the game is still there but my body tells me every day after practice and games it's time to slow down a bit. I want to thank the countless student-athletes, fellow coaches, Brockport colleagues and my family for the encouragement and support that has helped us to be successful over the years."



During his tenure as Head Coach, Dumaw posted 498 career victories including 14 SUNYAC Conference Tournament appearances. He is the program's all-time winningest coach, a feat he achieved back in 2014. He posted 20 or more wins in 14 seasons and eclipsed the 30-win mark twice (2001, 2010). His 32 wins in 2010 set a program-record.
 
"We can't thank Coach Dumaw enough for everything he has done for the Brockport softball program and our campus community," said Athletic Director Erick Hart.  "He leaves a legacy of unwavering dedication and immeasurable impact. Today, we celebrate a legend, an inspiration, and a coach whose impact transcends the game."
 
In 2009 he was named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year after leading Brockport to 28 victories, including a career-high 15 wins in conference play. Brockport won 28 games on three separate occasions during his tenure (2002, 2007, 2009).

He coached the SUNYAC Conference Player of the Year twice in 2003 (Kim Comtois) and 2008 (Courtney Turchan). He has mentored nearly 60 SUNYAC All-Conference selections, including 15 First-Team selections as well as multiple all-region picks.  He has also helped guide over 50 players to National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-America Scholar Athlete honors.

"I have to thank Coach Dumaw for giving me an opportunity as a student athlete and an assistant coach," said former Brockport student-athlete/assistant coach and current SUNY Cobleskill Head Softball Coach Morgan Flamholtz. "I wouldn't be where I am in my career without him." 
 
Prior to his time as head coach with the Golden Eagles, he served one season (1998) as assistant at Brockport before being appointed head coach in 1999. He was also coach of the highly successful Rochester Rebels U18 Junior Olympic team for four seasons, compiling a record of 209-36 with 14 tournament titles and a third-place finish in the 1996 World Tournament.

"John's ability to recruit student-athletes to Brockport has been outstanding," said colleague and former Brockport Associate Athletic Director Susan Hoffman. "His players have not only excelled on the field but in the classroom. John's dedication to SUNY Brockport goes well beyond his role as softball coach and I am glad that he will still be on campus to help the department."
 
Dumaw is also known as a legend in the world of men's major fastpitch and compiled an incredible record of 1,136 wins and 208 losses as a pitcher for more than 30 years. His lifetime sanctioned stats include 122 no-hitters and 24 perfect games. His career culminated with his induction into the New York State Amateur Softball Association (NYSASA) Hall of Fame (1990) and the USSSA National Hall of Fame (1993). He is also a member of the Rochester Softball Hall of Fame (2010).

"Having the privilege of working directly with Coach Dumaw during my tenure at Brockport, has been an absolute honor. Coach Dumaw has been the ultimate "teammate" among the coaches, always willing to step up for the good of the group! His impact on the sport of softball is legendary, but more importantly on the people who he has encountered." said Brockport Head Baseball Coach Justin Beach. "Coach Dumaw, thank you for being a mentor and a friend!"

A pitching expert, Dumaw continues to be involved with several clinics and camps every year. He is a 1965 graduate of Mohawk Valley Institute of Technology and a 2003 graduate of SUNY Brockport.

"I would like to congratulate John Dumaw on his retirement from coaching the SUNY Brockport softball team. He has been a staple here at Brockport for more than 25 years," said Associate Head Athletic Trainer John Jackson. "I had the pleasure of working with him for 15 years and will be sad not to see him on the softball diamond this year.  He has had so much success during his time here and we are going to miss his presence on the field."