The UCF Knights faced unprecedented uncertainty when first-ever head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie resigned to take the Iowa Hawkeyes job.
Athletic director Danny White has found Luers-Gillispie’s replacement nearly three weeks after her resignation. On June 27, UCF announced the hiring of new head coach Cindy Ball. She takes over a UCF softball program that made seven NCAA tournaments and five NCAA regional final appearances.
“We’re very excited to bring a coach of Cindy Ball’s caliber to UCF,” White said, per the school’s official press release. “With her success as a head coach, making postseason appearances in each of the last two seasons and a long history of coaching and playing experience, we knew she was the best person for the job.
“We look forward to her continuing her success in the postseason with our Knights and welcome Cindy [and her family].”
Ball comes to UCF after four seasons as the head coach of Boise State University. In the past two seasons, she led the Broncos to a combined 73-36 record. Ball helped Boise State to its first-ever postseason appearance at the 2017 National Invitational Softball Championship.
Last season was also special for Boise State. Ball led the Broncos to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance and set program records for most wins in a season (40) and most conference wins in a season (18). The Broncos also won the 2018 Mountain West Conference Championship, their first-ever conference title.
“I feel blessed and honored to join the UCF Athletics family,” Ball said, per UCF. “The tradition and pride this institution shows fits right in with my personal goals and aspirations to help mentor and grow student-athletes through the sport of softball and the pursuit of championships.
“I wish the Boise State softball program and athletic department all the best in [their] endeavors. I will miss the softball team, and I think them for the great moments we shared and our growth together. Lastly, thank you to the UCF Athletics administration for the opportunity, and I look forward to leading the softball program to new heights.”
Apart from coaching at Boise State, Ball has also served as a recruiting coordinator and coached pitchers for the University of Washington. She has also coached the Cal State Northridge Matadors, the Cosumnes River College Mascots, the Modesto Junior College Pirates and the Pacific Tigers, her alma mater.
Last season, the Knights finished 34-22 (12-9 in American Athletic Conference), losing to the Memphis Tigers 3-0 in the first round of the AAC tournament.
For more on the Knights, as they proceed without a Luers-Gillispie for the first time since 2002, follow Victor Tan on Twitter @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com, or you can tweet at him.
