Softball coach Kate Drohan has signed a contract extension through the 2018 season, Northwestern announced this morning.

Drohan just finished her 12th season at the helm of the Wildcats’ squad. She has won more than 400 games and led NU to the postseason eight times, including back-to-back semifinal appearances in the Women’s College World Series in 2006 and 2007. During Drohan’s tenure, the Cats have won two Big Ten titles and 14 players have been named All-Americans.

Drohan thanked athletic director Jim Phillips and University President Morton Schapiro for giving her more time at NU.

“Their investment in our program is remarkable and allows us to create an environment of excellence every day in the classroom, at practice and once the first pitch of the season is thrown,” Drohan said in a news release. “Our individual and collective commitment to return to Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series is what it means to wear Purple.”

Drohan is one of seven NU coaches whose contracts have been extended this summer. The athletic department announced wrestling coach Drew Pariano’s extension Tuesday and will reveal the other five in the coming weeks.

— Josh Walfish