TRENDING NOW: NCAA TRANSFER TRACKER / COLLEGE COACHING TRACKER
Georgia head coach Lu Harris-Champer announced her retirement from coaching on June 6th, the day after her Bulldogs were eliminated from the Women’s College World Series.
In a statement released by the school, Harris-Champer attributed the decision to a desire to be around her family and her children before they graduate high school. With more than 1,100 wins to her credit during a 25-year career as a head coach, Harris-Champer also led her team to the Women’s College World Series seven times. While at Georgia, she was also a three-time SEC Coach of the Year.
Following the announcement of Harris-Champer’s retirement, tributes poured in from all over the softball world. JWOS spoke to a variety of individuals who gave their thoughts on Lu Harris-Champer’s career.
Kentucky head coach Rachel Lawson
“In addition to being a terrific softball coach, Lu is the ultimate winner and teacher. She always searched for ways and found answers to get the best out of all her players. She does not accept “can’t happen” for answer to anything. I wish her nothing but the best in her life’s next chapter of retirement.”
South Carolina head coach Beverly Smith
“What an accomplished career for LHC. I always appreciated the competition she and her teams brought to the field. Really happy to watch her team celebrate on a high note in OKC. Wishing her the best.”
Ragin Cajuns head coach & former Georgia assistant Gerry Glasco
“Lu Harris-Champer was Georgia softball. A genius softball mind, hard working, intuitive and impactful as a coach with a goal of empowering her young female athletes for life, while winning softball games. Success followed her!”
Bryant head coach & former Georgia assistant Nick French
“She is a giant in our game despite being so humble and understated. Her teams embodied her hard work and grit in every sense. All she ever wanted was for her kids to be gritty and to fight for each other and the team. And every at-bat her players had in 25 years was a battle for the opposing team. The impact she has had on and off the field for her players and coaches over the years is immeasurable.”
Western Illinois head coach & Georgia alumnus Alisa Goler
“I am so excited for [Lu] because I feel like she is going to finally get to be a full-fledged mom and that’s something that I know matters so much to her. She’s been blessed with one of the most amazing supportive husbands, her kids are fantastic, I think that chapter of her life is going to be really, really fun for her. But I think what makes her so special to all of us that played for her is that every single player, regardless of what their role was, we never got treated like we had a fixed ceiling to reach. Every single one of us left the program better than we ever imagined we could have. She cared about players developing in all aspects of life and the game, and we all left better. She is one of the most amazing teachers of the game and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have played for her because that woman changed my life in more ways than she even knows. I just truly wish her the best, and she’s always going to be my second mom.”
Illinois assistant coach & Georgia alumnus Laura Trout
“The best coaches have this way of getting their athletes to play hard and free. Coach was that and more. She knew everything about every opponent so we always felt ready and prepared so we played hard. She believed in all of us and we knew she did and that allowed us to play hard. I owe so much to her for pushing me to my limits while caring about me as a person at the same time. She is an incredible coach and mentor.”
