Dean is now entering her 17th season as head coach for the Patriots, finishing the 2012 season 10-40 overall and 8th in the Mid-South Conference. During her years at UC, Coach Dean has stayed heavily involved in the conference serving as a softball chairman for seven years and was also as a Region 11 rater for three years.  She currently has a overall record of 321-358-1 going into the 2012-2013 season. 

Before being named head coach, Dean was the assistant coach under Julie Hill for two seasons at the Cumberlands. Prior to that, Dean helped coach both volleyball and softball at Maryville High School in Maryville, TN. Dean has also been a part of the volleyball coaching staff at the Cumberlands for eight of her 16 years.

Graduated from Cumberland College (now Cumberlands) in 1990 with a degree in Secondary Education, Dean had a stellar career as an Indian (now Patriot).

Though known for her outstanding defensive skills, Dean averaged .384 from the plate. During her four year tenure, her teams overall record was 97-40. She was named All-KWIC (Kentucky Women's Intercollegiate Conference) in '87-'89 and All-KIAC (Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) in 1998. The 1989 32-4 team, Dean's senior season, was named KIAC and KWIC champions.

Dean came to Cumberlands from Karns High School in Knoxville, Tennessee where she was a four year varsity starter at second base and shortstop. While at Karns, Dean was named to both All-District and All-KIL teams.