SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Wittenberg softball head coach Laura Matthews is leaving Springfield to be the new head coach at Division I institution, Wright State University.

During her five-year stint at Wittenberg, Matthews led the Tigers to a 128-57-1 record. The last two seasons for the Tigers have been Matthews' best work, as the team claimed their second NCAC Tournament Championship in school history in 2016. The Tigers then put together a 29-7 overall record in 2017, while going 15-1 in NCAC conference play.

"I am extremely proud of Laura and for all that she accomplished during her time as our head coach.  While it is very tough to see her leave us, she deserves an opportunity like this as much as anyone I have had the opportunity to work with. Our softball program, athletic department, and University is a better place because of Laura's leadership and example. We all wish her nothing but success as she heads into the next chapter of her career," said Director of Athletics, Dr. Gary Williams.

Matthews' winning percentage in the conference increased each season, as the Tigers surpassed the thirty-win threshold in 2016, which included a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Matthews was recognized as the NCAC Coach of the Year in 2017, along with seven Tigers recognized for All-Region, five league Newcomers of the Year, two Pitchers of the Year, 26 all league players and a CoSIDA Academic All-American during her five seasons.

"The last five years at Wittenberg have been everything I could have asked for and more. The student-athletes I've been blessed to coach have had a lasting impact on me, and I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to build here together. The Wittenberg softball program is in tremendous shape, and Coach Haynes is going to do a phenomenal job in continuing to elevate it. I want to thank Gary Williams and all the administrators and coaches I've been fortunate to work with over my time at Wittenberg, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Tiger softball program," said Matthews.

Assistant coach Kennedy Haynes has been named the interim head coach for the 2017-18 season, and the department will conduct a national search for a permanent replacement in the spring of 2018.

"I want to thank Kennedy for accepting the responsibility to lead our program this season. Kennedy has worked very closely with Laura over the past year and she has shown all of us a tremendous amount of maturity, leadership and softball knowledge that I know will serve our student-athletes well," said Williams.

Haynes enters her second season as the Tigers' assistant coach. The Indianapolis, Indiana native arrived in Springfield in the fall of 2016 after a standout career at the University of Dayton.

"I would like to thank Gary Williams for the opportunity to step into this role. I am extremely grateful for Laura Matthews' mentorship during our time together and for the strong foundation of culture and success that she has built for Wittenberg softball. I look forward to continuing the legacy of this program with this incredible group of young women," said Haynes.

Wittenberg softball is in action this weekend for their annual fall scrimmages at the University of Dayton.