After 10 years at the helm of the program, head coach Kevin Fagg has stepped down from the women's softball team. Fagg has been with the team since its second year of existence in 2004, when it formerly fell under the campus clubs umbrella and has built the program into one of the most successful university programs in the country. Struggling in its early years, Fagg has led the team to two provincial medals including gold in 2007 and two national medals, including Canadian supremecy in 2009.
Fagg's decision comes due to an ever-growing personal schedule off the ball diamond, making it increasingly difficult to make travel arrangements into Waterloo during the hectic OIWFA softball schedule. Fagg is currently in his third year as the Secretary of the OIWFA and will maintain his position for the 2014 season. Although he leaves his immediate position as Head Coach, he will remain involved in a consulting position for 2014 as well.
Fagg has taken on a number of initiatives in his 10 years with the team, including taking them to the first ever National Championship in Calgary in 2008, hosting the first National Championships in Ontario in 2009 in Kitchener and working tirelessly to receive recognition for the team to be classified as a competitive club team under the direction of the Athletics and Recreation department.
Since 2006, Fagg has led the team to eight consecutive seasons with an above ..500 record, placing no lower than fifth place in regular season play, ultimately highlighted by a 21-1 record and a National Championship in 2009.
"It is with a heavy heart that I sent my resignation to the current players last week," commented Fagg on his decision. "I have loved every minute of being involved with this program and developing it to where we are today."
Stepping into the position as the new Head Coach will be Matt Allen, who has sat side-by-side with Fagg since the 2007 season and currently sits as President of the OIWFA and committee member of the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association (CCSA).
Allen brings his own wealth of coaching experience as a Certified Coach in Competition-Introduction through the National Coaching Certification Program, coaching a number of men's and women's softball teams over recent years. He also currently sits as Chair of the Softball Ontario Long Term PlayerDevelopment Technical Committee and Softball Ontario Coaching Committee member for the past five years.
"I am very excited to continue the level of excellence Kevin has brought to this team but very sad to see him leave," Allen stated.
Laurier softball will start its 2014 training camp on Labou rDay Monday, more details available in the fastpitch section of Laurier Athletics website.
"When people think Laurier softball, they think of the name Kevin Fagg. He has been the face of this team for so long and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. I can honestly say that never before, and perhaps never again will I see athletes gravitate towards a coach like they did to Kevin. Athlete sabsolutely loved and respected him, and deservedly so," added Allen.
Effectively immediately, Laurier Softball is seeking assistant coaches to fill two vacant positions. Interested applicants are asked to email womensfastpitchclub@laurierathletics.com
Any athletes, currently or perspective interested in the2 014 Laurier Softball season can contact Matt Allen at womensfastpitchclub@laurierathletics.com for tryout information.
