Oakland University is looking for a new softball coach following the resignation of LaDonia Hughes in early July.

The Golden Grizzlies were 27-67 during her two-year tenure as the program’s head coach. The team finished its 2012 campaign 10-38.

In a press release on the OU Athletics website, raising her daughter and spending time with her family in Virginia were listed as the reasons for Hughes’ departure.

Elisabeth Putnam, assistant athletic director for facilities and operations, has been placed in charge of the program temporarily while the search for a new coach continues.

Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Scott MacDonald provided some insight into the hiring process.

“Interviews are happening soon and potential candidates will be brought on campus as soon as the list is narrowed down,” MacDonald said. “We are trying to accomplish this as quickly as possible, while making sure we find the best candidate for the job.”

Putnam added that any potential candidate would have to demonstrate an understanding of OU’s athletics mission statement and core values.

“While we understand the school year is upon us, we will not compromise our standards in our selection process,” Putnam said.

Among the goals listed in the mission statement are the betterment of the student athletes and excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Some of the core values are respect, accountability and integrity.

Recruiting was not affected by Hughes’s departure, as all seven student athletes she recruited for the coming year will still attend Oakland in the fall.

The new recruits for 2013 include Ayanna Martin, a shortstop from Lincoln Park. Fellow infield recruit Shauna Siwicki will play behind the plate as catcher.

Pitching recruits include Laura Pond of Northville, Erin Kownacki of Armada and Megan Tangney of Goodrich.

Rounding out the recruiting class are Sarah Hartley from Birch Run and outfielder Courtney Wroubel from Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.

MacDonald said the scheduling of any fall exhibition games would be up to the new coach when hired.

While the team is off campus for the summer, its members are being kept in the loop.

“The current team members have all been communicated with and are being kept up to speed on the process,” Putnam said.

 

 

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Senior Reporter Kevin Graham can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @KevinGraham88