VESTAL, N.Y. – Michelle Johnston, the Binghamton head softball coach the past dozen seasons, has announced that she is stepping down from her position as of May 28. The athletic department will conduct a national search for her replacement.

"I want to thank everyone at Binghamton University for making these past 12 years so memorable," she said. "I also want to thank all of my former and current players and coaches that I have had a chance to work beside. At this time, I have decided to take some time off to spend with my family. I wish the program nothing but the best moving forward."

In her 12 years with the program, Johnston won a school-record 251 games. The Bearcats captured the 2015 America East championship and advanced to the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time in program history. The Bearcats also claimed the conference's regular-season titles in both 2016 and 2017. In addition, Binghamton won at least 30 games twice during Johnston's tenure, including 34 times in 2016.

"Michelle has done an incredible job during her time as our head softball coach," Binghamton Athletic Director Patrick Elliott said. "She has developed the program to becoming an annual contender for the America East championship, while competing successfully on a national level. We wish Michelle and her family all the best going forward."

Under Johnston's watch, Binghamton has produced the America East Player of the Year twice and the conference's Rookie of the Year three times. She also led the top coaching staff in the America East in both 2013 and 2016. At the regional level, Binghamton has posted 10 NFCA All-Mid Atlantic selections as well as 10 ECAC All-Star picks.

In 10 of Johnston's previous 11 seasons, Binghamton has earned Team Academic honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA). The Bearcats have also landed 75 NFCA Scholar-Athlete selections and 22 America East All-Academic picks.

Johnston's success in college softball predates her July 2009 hiring at Binghamton. From 2006-09, she was the head coach at the University of Rochester and led the Yellow Jackets to a 117-50 record and three consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances.

A 2001 graduate of Maryland, Johnston was a four-year starting outfielder and was named both a NFCA All-Mid Atlantic Region selection as well as a Verizon Academic All-District honoree. In 2002, she was selected as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) 50th Anniversary Softball Team. From 2002-05, she was an assistant with the Maryland softball program.

Johnston resides in nearby Owego with her husband Dan. On February 15, they welcomed twins Trey and Teagan into the family. Johnston grew up in the Owego area and is a 1997 graduate of Owego Free Academy.