SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—After two regular season championship seasons in Springfield, interim head softball coach Kennedy Haynes has resigned from her position, Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Gary Williams announced.
Haynes served as an assistant to Laura Matthews in 2017 before being elevated to interim head coach for the 2018 season after Matthews was named head softball coach at Wright State University.
Taking over weeks before the 2017-18 school year, Haynes guided the Tigers to their second consecutive regular season NCAC title before bowing out in the NCAC Tournament in May.
"Kennedy took over our softball program under difficult circumstances and did an amazing job with our student-athletes. Kennedy is a gifted and talented coach and we were all very fortunate to have shared time with her over these past two years. Our program is better because of her and she will be missed. We wish her all the best both personally and professionally moving forward," said Williams.
Haynes came to Wittenberg after a standout softball career at the University of Dayton on the diamond and in the classroom. The Indianapolis native assisted Coach Matthews in year one, as the Tigers were coming off of their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2000.
"I am so grateful to Gary Williams and the entire administration at Wittenberg for giving me this opportunity. I feel very lucky to have been afforded as much experience as I have at my young age, and at such a great workplace. I would especially like to thank the girls for their trust and hard work this year. They handled adversity with such poise and I am so proud of all they have achieved. I will miss Wittenberg and all the people I've gotten to know very dearly. I know the program will be in great hands and I look forward to the continued success they will have," said Haynes.
Wittenberg softball went 24-17 in 2018, winning the regular season NCAC crown after going 15-1 in conference play.
Wittenberg is currently conducting a national search for the head coaching position.