Loyola Marymount University is beginning a nationwide search for its next softball coach to succeed
Sami Strinz-Ward, who has accepted the head coaching position at Texas Tech University. Strinz-Ward's five successful seasons leading LMU included 138 total wins, three West Coast Conference Coach of the Year recognitions, and the 2018 NISC National Championship.
Strinz-Ward, who was a star athlete for the Lions, returned to LMU in 2015 and served as an assistant coach for her alma mater before assuming head coaching duties a season later. She put together four winning seasons and helped guide LMU softball through the COVID-19 pandemic that canceled the season after just 23 games. The highlight of the shortened season was back-to-back wins against ranked programs to open the Judy Garman Classic in Fullerton with wins over No. 4 LSU and No. 13 Michigan.
"Sami has elevated our softball program and made us nationally relevant," said Athletic Director
Craig Pintens. "As an alumna, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of our student-athletes. Sami has laid an incredible foundation for championship success. We wish Sami, her husband Randy, and daughters Ryli and Hayli continued success at Texas Tech. They will always have fans at LMU."
A pitcher and utility player throughout her career in a Lion uniform, Strinz-Ward was named PCSC Player of the Year in 2003, leading the Lions to the league's inaugural championship. LMU was the PCSC runner-up in her senior season in 2004. She earned All-Western Athletic Conference honors in 2002, and was a back-to-back first-team All-PSCS pick in 2003 and 2004. She also earned NFCA All-Region honors in 2003 and 2004.
"This was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever made because I am such a proud alumna and I'm so proud of the growth that we have made in the program," Said Sami Strinz-Ward. "We've accomplished a lot at LMU, but I know that this program can continue on its trajectory. I'm proud that we are leaving the program in a really good situation for whoever is coming in to continue to elevate it. I'm very thankful for the girls on the team and the alumni that helped build this program to where it is and who have bought in to what our vision was for this program and will continue to excel it forward. I want to thank Deputy Athletic Director Ashley Armstrong and Director of Athletics Craig Pintens for their support, and to former Athletic Director Dr. William Husak for hiring me to lead LMU."
A national search is underway for the new softball head coach at LMU.
