Lincoln University, Pa. – Lincoln University Director of Athletics Harry Stinson III has announced the hiring of Renee Clarke as the Lions' sixth Women's Softball Head Coach.

Clarke brings over 30 years of collegiate coaching and playing experience to Lincoln, including 28 years as a head coach on both the NCAA Division III and Division I levels, where she won 480 games. Most recently, Clarke spent the last 16 seasons as the head coach at Swarthmore College, coaching 26 all-conference and two all-region selections while also serving as the Assistant director of Facilities for the Garnet.

"I'm extremely excited to welcome Coach Clarke to the Lion Family to lead our women's softball program, "said Stinson.  "Her experience at the DI and DIII level will really propel our softball program forward to a championship level instantly.  She is a passionate coach that instantly energizes she is around and her passion and drive will help our program take the necessary steps to be a championship program within the CIAA and NCAA."

"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Harry Stinson, and the Lincoln University Athletics Family for this incredible opportunity to be the next Head Softball Coach at Lincoln," said Clarke.  "As the interview process unfolded, I was convinced that I wanted to be part of something special here at Lincoln University. I am excited to begin to work with our student athletes and on and off the field and in the classroom to build a lasting legacy."

Clarke spent three seasons at Division I Drexel University before becoming Swarthmore's head coach, earning America East Coach of the Year honors in 2001 when she led the Dragons to a 33-26-1 record.  Prior to Drexel, Coach Clarke was the Head Softball and Field Hockey Coach at Division III Kean University.  Clarke led her teams to three NCAA and three ECAC tournament appearances during her 11-year tenure at Kean winning the ECAC Division III Softball Championship in 1990. Clarke coached three All-Americans and three Academic All-Americans while at Kean.

A four-year softball and field hockey player during her collegiate career at Rutgers University, Clarke earned Atlantic 10 All-conference honors four straight years and was a member of three USA Softball World Championship Teams (1984-85, 1987).  She was inducted into the Rutgers University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.