It was announced Monday, June 25th that head softball coach Shanon Hays will be departing Colorado Christian University and will be replaced by none other than the man he refers to as dad, Hall of Fame coach Larry Hays.
 
The situation is unique to say the least, but according to Athletic Director Brian Wall "To put in plainly losing Shanon is just a bummer, but honestly this is the best possible outcome we could have hoped for".
 
Shanon Hays took over the CCU Softball program in 2017, and in his second season with the Cougars this past spring he was able to take them to their 2^nd NCAA Tournament experience.  He also produced the programs winningest season at 43-15 overall, taking 2^nd place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.  Brian Wall stated "Shanon is one of the best coaches out there.  I am not going to say softball coach because he has been successful as a baseball and basketball coach as well.  Oklahoma Christian is lucky to have him".  Shanon Hays has taken the head coaching position for Oklahoma Christian's softball program. 
 
"I am excited for the opportunity but very sad to leave a great place like CCU.  Especially the great group of girls we have.  However, I am very excited that my dad will have the opportunity to coach them.  He will be a great fit at CCU and for this team.  Most of them know him well already and he has a great feel for the club.  With his vast experience as a coach and fast pitch pitcher, I can't think of anyone better to lead the team.  He loves coaching and loves what CCU is all about!"- Shanon Hays
 
Larry Hays is coming out of retirement to be the head coach of CCU Softball.  His reasoning is simple, he loves the team.  "I am looking forward to being a part of the CCU community!  Especially for the privilege of working with such a great group of student athletes.  I enjoyed watching them play the last couple of years and getting to know them personally.  I see this as a great opportunity to continue strengthening a great team". 
 
As a collegiate women's softball coach in 2010, Larry led the Lubbock Christian Lady Chaps to a 54-7 record and an NAIA National Championship.  He has coached baseball for 15 years at Lubbock Christian and for 21 years at Texas Tech compiling a remarkable 1509-860 record over those years.  Additionally, Larry has coached men's & women's basketball at Lubbock Christian and served as their Athletic Director for eight years.
 
In addition to winning multiple conference and national championships, Larry has received numerous personal awards including the following:  Southwest Conference Baseball Coach of the Year, Big 12 Baseball Coach of the Year, NAIA Hall of Fame Inductee, Texas Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, National College Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee.  Larry and his wife Nell have five children: three boys, two girls, and 11 grandchildren.  Ironically, Larry will be coaching in the same region as his two sons Shanon now at Oklahoma Christian and Daron at Lubbock Christian. 
 
Athletic Director Brian Wall stated, "As I have come to know Larry over this past year, I know the deep love he has for the Lord Jesus, his wife and family, and the players he will be coaching".  Larry will assume the position effective immediately and aims to continue his winning ways with this proven team of players in the 2019 season.