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Akron Softball Coach Resigns


Sloopy

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My reaction to this is1. It is Julie Wrights' career, if she thinks she made a good move, then good for her. I never wish any one ill will.2. I scratch my head at this. I can never remember a MAC head coach in good standing leaving for an assistant Div 1 job in any sport at least over the last 10 years. I understand the Big Ten is a better league than ours. I understand when assistants leave to be assistants and when our head coaches leave to be head coaches. or when they leave to be assistants in the pros. I understand that coaches don't love Akron like I do and will move on at some point. But this one I don't get. She was the top assistant at Kansas before coming here. I don't consider Wisconsin anymore of a softball power than Kansas.3. No acknowledgement on Gozips.com. I take that the administration is pissed too and took it as a slap in the face. And I am happy they feel that way. Contrast that with Pry who was here the same amount of time and had a nice article about him the day he left.4. My personal opinion but after 2 years to abandon ship for an assitant coaches job unless it was due to family if I was an AD, I would never hire someone like that. 5. Lilcat not sure how comfortable you are discussing this, so please feel free not to comment. Obviously in looking at Akron sports, women's tennis has had the least done for them and clearly have it tougher than many other schools. Given that, is the team excited about a change coming? Given the current resources, the job will be tough for anyone. But I hope that somone coming in can only help improve the situation.

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I'm actually really excited about the future. I think with the new AD, he seems to really want to get every program winning. Nothing against Mike Thomas...I love Mike Thomas and think if he would have still been here, he would have probably done the same thing...but Mack Brown is ready to keep turning everything around. I hope they find a coach that will help us out and that we all get along with. For me, that is really important, I want a coach that we can relate to...but can also motivate us. They are probably going to have to convince any candidate that they are willing to put courts on campus and willing to give us what we need in order to get better.I think that we all want to get better, and thats what matters most.

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I'm actually really excited about the future. I think with the new AD, he seems to really want to get every program winning. Nothing against Mike Thomas...I love Mike Thomas and think if he would have still been here, he would have probably done the same thing...but Mack Brown is ready to keep turning everything around. I hope they find a coach that will help us out and that we all get along with. For me, that is really important, I want a coach that we can relate to...but can also motivate us. They are probably going to have to convince any candidate that they are willing to put courts on campus and willing to give us what we need in order to get better.I think that we all want to get better, and thats what matters most.
Thanks, good points. Getting the courts on campus will have to be a necessity. I think that will happen but probably more in the 4-5 year range rather than 1-2. Thanks for the insights and good luck with off season training.
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they finally announced it on gozips.com

Softball Coach Julie Wright ResignsWright compiled a record of 53-52 in two seasons at AkronJune 15, 2006AKRON, Ohio - - University of Akron softball coach Julie Wright announced her resignation, effective immediately, to take an assistant coaching position at the University of Wisconsin."It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that I leave Akron for Wisconsin," Wright said. "Akron is an exceptional institution with incredible backing for its student-athletes. From the facilities to the academic support, this Athletics department is truly doing things the right way. There is no doubt in my mind that Zips softball will continue its successful climb in the Mid-American Conference. I want to thank (Athletics Director) Mack Rhodes and (Senior Associate Athletics Director) Mary Lu Gribshaw for this wonderful opportunity and wish all of the coaches and student-athletes continued success and nothing but the very best."In two seasons at the helm of the Akron program, Wright compiled a record of 53-52, including a 26-25 mark in 2006. During her tenure, nine players were named to the All-Mid-American Conference squads."We thank Julie for the outstanding progress the softball program made under her leadership and wish her the best in her new endeavor," said Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades.This spring marked one of the most successful in recent seasons for the program as Wright led the Zips to their first MAC Tournament appearance since 2002. Akron also posted a 4-2 road win over NCAA Tournament participant Notre Dame on April 5.A search for her replacement is underway.
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