MT Head Softball Coach Karen Green Resigns

Murfreesboro, Tenn - Middle Tennessee Head Softball Coach Karen Green has taken a position as a health teacher and head softball coach at Siegel Middle School in Murfreesboro and will leave the University, she announced Thursday.

"I have really enjoyed my time here at Middle Tennessee and I haven't regretted a moment here," Green said. "I decided to make this change because the job had become my life and I wanted a life outside my job."

Green cited the grueling endless hours she has spent recruiting and competing, in her nine years as the head coach of Lady Raider softball, behind her decision. The opportunity arose at Siegel Middle School, and for Green, it was a sign for her to make the move.

"I am really thankful for all of the players I have had come through the program," she said. "When I made the decision to leave I spoke to each of them in person or on the phone about my decision and they were all very supportive."

Green, who has been the head coach since the beginning of softball at MT in 1993, leaves the program on a very high note. In 2001 the team set the record for most wins in a season with 41 wins to 21 losses, recording the first 40-win campaign, and placed second in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

In her nine-year stint Green amassed an overall record of 276-217. In the 2000 campaign, she won the Ohio Valley Conference and led the team to its first-ever NCAA appearance.

"I am extremely sad to see her leave, because Karen has done an incredible job in her nine years at Middle Tennessee," said Interim Athletic Director Boots Donnelly. "She has been a quality coach who has recruited excellent talent, and it is going to be hard to replace someone of her solid character."

The search for a new head coach is underway and Middle Tennessee is looking to have someone in place before classes begin on August 20.

"We are going to advertise the position immediately and will make a decision in the next two or three weeks," Donnelly said. "It is crucial we have someone in place before school begins because of fall practice and recruiting."

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