Grizzly Softball Coaches Step Down | Ozark Radio News

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) are on the lookout for new coaches for the Grizzly Softball team as Head Coach Don Long, Assistant Coach Amy Marshall, and Team Coordinator Ashley Cooley have announced their departure from their roles with the team.

Chancellor Dennis Lancaster expressed gratitude towards the departing coaches for their contributions in establishing the Grizzly Softball team and helping it become a contender in the region within just two years. Long, in particular, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the program and emphasized the positive relationships he has built with the coaching staff and student-athletes.

Under the leadership of Long, Marshall, and Cooley, the Grizzlies achieved a 9-22 overall record in their first season and a 35-19 record in their most recent season, competing at the Division I level. The team saw success with players like Kenzie Massey, Zoey Williams, and Jordyn Foley receiving regional honors for their outstanding performances.

Athletic Director Rusty Laverentz commended the departing coaches for laying a strong foundation for the softball program’s future success and wished them well in their future endeavors. He emphasized the impact they have had on the program and expressed confidence in its continued success under new leadership.

For those interested in learning more about the Grizzly Softball team, they can visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com or follow the team on their Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB. The search for new coaches is set to begin immediately as the university looks to build on the team’s recent achievements and continue its growth in the region.