Longwood softball head coach Kathy Riley will take a leave of absence for the remainder of the 2020 season, according to a press release sent out by the Longwood athletics department Wednesday, Feb. 19.
“As coach Riley takes the time she needs to address a private matter, our program will be in excellent hands with coach (Kayla) Miller, coach (Emily) Murphy and coach (Carly) Adams leading our student-athletes through the remainder of this season,” athletics director Michelle Meadows said in the Feb. 19 release.
The Longwood athletics department declined to comment further, reiterating it being a private matter.
“The focus of the department and coaching staff is to continue to support the softball team throughout the 2020 season,” assistant vice president for athletics communications Chris Cook said in response to The Rotunda’s request for comment.
Riley, who entered her 23rd season of her storied coaching career at Longwood, started the 2020 season 3-6 prior to her departure. The three-time Big South Coach of the Year is coming off leading the program to its fifth Big South championship in 2019, and its third in four years.
According to the press release, the Big South preseason favorites are set to play the remainder of the season under the collective leadership of assistant coaches Kayla Miller, Emily Murphy and Carly Adams.
The team is set to continue their season Feb. 28 when they travel to Florida for the UCF Invitational as they seek their sixth Big South championship in May.
Softball head coach Kathy Riley is taking a leave of absence for the remainder of the 2020 season, according to a press release sent out by the Longwood athletics department on Wednesday.
