ARKADELPHIA – Derrick Grimes has resigned as the head softball coach at Ouachita Baptist University following a three-season tenure as the leader of the program.

Grimes led the Tigers to a pair of Great American Conference Championship Tournament appearances and guided the 2021 team to the program's first-ever winning record in conference games. He coached the Tigers to 51 victories over the past three seasons.

"We appreciate Derrick for his time here at Ouachita leading our softball program," said Director of Athletics David Sharp. "He came at a tough time in the middle of the pandemic and was hired less than a month before his first season started. Those situations presented challenges that he met face on. During his tenure, we were able to enhance the program in many ways, highlighted by our new locker room facility that was opened prior to the start of this past season. Again, I am thankful for Derrick and his time at Ouachita, and wish him nothing but the best going forward."

"I have enjoyed my time coaching the Ouachita Tigers Softball Team and believe it is in my best interest to explore other options," said Grimes. "I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to coach (the team)... I love each one of the girls that I have had the opportunity to coach and will cherish the memories and time I had with them… I also appreciate the support I received from the coaching staff throughout the entire athletic department. OBU is blessed to have such an amazing group of Godly coaches to lead."

The search for Ouachita's next head softball coach is underway. Inquiries should be emailed to sharpd@obu.edu.