After what could be called a dismal coaching career at Iowa State, head softball coach Ruth Crowe was notified that her services would not be retained for the next season.

“We appreciate the work Ruth has done at Iowa State, but we are ready to make a change in our softball program,” said Athletic Director Bruce Van de Velde in a statement.

Van De Velde was unavailable for further comment.

The Athletic Department said a search for a new head coach would begin immediately and no time-table had been set.

“We will start an immediate search to find the best person to take over our softball program,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Calli Sanders in a statement.

“We want the right individual to lead this group of student-athletes, and we will move as swiftly as possible to name a successor.”

Sanders was also unavailable for further comment.

In Crowe’s nine seasons as head coach, she compiled a 166-244 record and never qualified for the post-season.

Crowe came to Iowa State from Ball State University, where she was head coach from 1992-96. In her four years there, she was able to rack up the second-most wins with 102 while losing 103.

It was not known whether Chris Cochran and Michelle Junod — Crowe’s two assistant coaches — would be kept on or not.

Kristen Karanzias, senior pitcher, declined to comment, while all attempts to reach Crowe, Cochran, Junod and other players were unsuccessful.