Maryland softball coach resigns for personal reasons

University of Maryland softball head coach Mark Montgomery resigned Thursday after four seasons. Montogomery cited personal reasons for his resignation. He hopes to return to softball at some point, but for now, he’s focusing on his family.

“The past two years our family has dealt with some challenges,” Montgomery said in the statement released by the school. “I have decided to step down from my position in order to have more time to focus on what’s most important to me. I look forward to returning to the game of softball when the time is right. I wish the Maryland softball program continued success.”

The Terrapins compiled a 98-78 record under Montgomery. In 2023, the team had a 38-19 record, reaching the National Invitational Softball Championship.

Assistant coach Laura Heberling will serve as interim head coach as the school searches for a new head coach.

“I’m looking for our future head coach of the softball program,” Maryland athletic director Damon Evans said. “We will identify the strongest candidates and hire a dynamic leader who will continue to build our program to be nationally competitive.”

The next head coach will hope to keep the momentum built by Montgomery. Maryland last made the NCAA Tournament in 2012. They’ll have to navigate through a tough Big Ten Conference and stay on the path back to prominence.