Deb Kuhn announced Monday that she would be leaving the Iowa State softball program after leading the program for 14 years.

“I’ve decided to seek new challenges. The decision was mine,” Kuhn said.

“I’ve been at Iowa State for 16 years, and it’s time I explore my options outside of coaching.”

Kuhn’s accomplishments at Iowa State include coaching ISU to 328 victories and the school’s first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Kuhn took the head coaching job in 1983 and since then has coached 39 players to all-conference honors while coaching 47 players to all-academic recognition.

“She took our program from its early development through our first Big 12 competition,” said ISU athletic director Gene Smith.

“Deb’s teams earned post-season recognition. Her student-athletes were achievers on the field and in the classroom.”

Smith said that a search for a replacement will begin next month.