Grizzly Softball coaches resign
Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) are looking for new coaches for the Grizzly Softball team.
University officials today announced that Head Coach Don Long, Assistant Coach Amy Marshall and Team Coordinator Ashley Cooley are stepping down from their respective roles with the team. Officials said a search will begin immediately for a new head coach and assistant coach.
"We want to thank Don Long, Amy Marshall and Dr. Ashley Cooley for coming on board two years ago and helping us establish the Grizzly Softball team," MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster said. "All three brought a wealth of experience and game acumen to the program, which was vital to its beginnings and future success. In just two years, they've made Grizzly Softball a contender in the region, and we wish them well on their future endeavors."
"It has been a privilege to serve as the Grizzly Softball head coach for the past two seasons and play an immense role in the development of the Grizzly Softball program," Long said. "Over the past two seasons, I have witnessed the program grow in a positive direction through hard work, recruitment and positive relationships formed with my coaching staff and student-athletes. I am grateful for the opportunity to get this program off the ground and create the energy the game of softball deserves. The relationships I've been able to build with each member of the team and the coaching staff have been instrumental in shaping not only the program's future success, but also my personal and professional goals as a coach.
"I would like to express my appreciation to Missouri State University-West Plains, West Plains and surrounding communities, Grizzly Club members, my coaching staff, my student-athletes and their families for their unwavering support throughout my time at MSU-WP. Thank you once again for the opportunity to be part of the first two years of Grizzly Softball. I wish the program continued success," he added.
"I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as Coach Don Long's assistant for the past two seasons," Marshall said. "The opportunity to be part of building the Grizzly Softball program has created great excitement in our community and the sport of softball. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and coaching so many great young ladies through this experience. I have built positive relationships with my athletes and will treasure that the most!
"Fostering the relationships with my student-athletes and exposing them to opportunities in the West Plains community has resulted in the opportunity to get to work alongside sophomore Madalyn Ivy," Marshall added. "Madalyn will serve as a paraprofessional and coach within the West Plains R-VII School District next school year. Being part of their next steps is certainly rewarding. I want to thank Missouri State University-West Plains and the community for their support throughout the past two seasons. I look forward to furthering my career as the West Plains Elementary assistant principal next school year."
More about the team
During their first season of action under Long, Marshall and Cooley, the Grizzlies posted a 9-22 overall record and a 5-15 Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) record competing at the NJCAA Division II level. Kenzie Massey, a shortstop from Grandby, received first team All-Region 16 Team honors.
This past season, the Grizzlies competed at the Division I level and posted a 35-19 overall record and 16-12 MCCAC record. Infielder Zoey Williams, West Plains, and pitcher Jordyn Foley, Ozark, received first team all-region honors, while Massey picked up second team honors.
"I would like to thank Coach Long and his staff for getting our softball program off the ground and doing it the right way," MSU-WP Athletic Director Rusty Laverentz said. "They have set the foundation for Grizzly Softball to be successful for a long time into the future. They have made this a program that other softball coaches will want to lead. I wish nothing but the best for Coach Long and his staff in their futures. Enjoy watching your grandkids grow up, Coach, and thanks again for all you and your staff did to get Grizzly Softball off the ground and running!"
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com or check out the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB.