Over the past 13-plus seasons, Robin Brand has helped transform Mount Vernon High School softball in Iowa into a powerhouse. The program won a state championship in Class 3A in 2022 and reached the finals two years before that.
Now, Brand will look to do the same at the collegiate level, as she has been named the new head coach at Cornell College. The NCAA Division III school is also located in Mount Vernon, as Brand will remain the head softball coach at the high school.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity and challenge ahead of me," Brand said. "This seemed like the right time. I know the Cornell community and coaches very well and look forward to maintaining and creating positive relationships. I think how we can make things even stronger and better.
"I love Division III athletics. My four children, my husband and I, we've all been a part of it. This is an opportunity to be part of a special experience at Cornell."
Brand played softball at Central College, graduating in 1995. She has also coached at Guthrie Center High School in both softball and volleyball.
During her run at Mount Vernon, the school has won at east 25 games in each of the past 11 seasons, including a 169-65 mark in the WaMaC Conference since 2012.
"We are thrilled to have Robin join our team at Cornell and very excited about the future of our softball program under her leadership," Director of Athletics Jeff Meeker said. "Robin has a passion for coaching and developing young people. She's excited about the challenge of building a championship program.
"Her community ties and softball connections will be key components in this process."
After leading the Mustangs to the state title with a 36-4 record, Brand was named the 2022 Iowa All-Class Coach of the Year. Mount Vernon qualified for state seven times during an eight-year stretch, and are currently ranked in the Top 10 this season.
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