LAKEWOOD, CO- Colorado Christian Athletics would like to thank former Head Softball Coach Larry Hays for his 8 years leading the program and the impact he made on the university, student-athletes and his colleagues. Hays left a legacy of humbleness, sacrificial love and excellence in his time at CCU, and he will be greatly missed as he takes over the softball program at Abilene Christian University in Texas. 

When Larry joined the Cougars in 2019 as their head coach, the team was coming off a 43 win season and NCAA Regional appearance in 2018 led by his son Shanon Hays. The elder Hays began to build the program, and after a tough stretch for athletics across the nation with the shortened seasons of Covid, Larry turned CCU into a powerhouse in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. With an overall record of 340-85 (.800), Larry took the Cougars to new heights, guiding them to five straight NCAA Regional appearances, leading them to their first RMAC Tournament Title in 2022 and winning two more in 2023 and 2025. 

"Coach Hays is one of a kind. We are grateful for Coach's impact on our team and the untold ways he changed the lives of so many student athletes. We cannot thank Coach enough for his work and commitment to the vision of CCU Athletics. Wishing Coach nothing but the best in the years to come!", Athletic Director Jon Poag said. 

Hays coached 8 All-Americans and received coach of the year honors from the RMAC three times (2022, 2023, 2025). With 5 NCAA regional appearances and two regional finals, Hays and his teams shattered numerous records along the way to a historic 8 year stretch. This past season alone the team set the program record with 47 straight victories, an incredible mark that led them to a 42-2 record in conference play and 55-7 overall record on the season. In the fall of 2025, Larry was inducted into the CCU Hall of Fame, adding to his incredible list of accolades and Hall of Fames he has become a part of throughout his storied coaching career. We wish Larry Hays nothing but the best as he starts his new journey at the helm of the Abilene Christian softball program, and he will always be remembered at CCU as a man of high integrity and excellence. 

"Taking the field without Coach Hays will be different, but it will not change our goals and standards for the program. CCU is making a monumental investment in this program with the planned construction of a new Softball complex, which will equip CCU Softball to sustain excellence and cultivate an even deeper sense of legacy for generations to come", said Poag. 

The team had the privilege of hosting their first ever NCAA Regional in 2026, a feat that the Cougars hope to do many more times when the new softball complex is completed off of Alameda & Kipling in the near future. Kenzie Liberty, All-American player and assistant for the past two seasons at CCU, has been named the Interim Head Coach of the program and will inherit a young and talented team that graduated just two seniors from the 55 win 26' squad. 

"Coach Kenzie Liberty will be taking the reins as our Interim Head Coach. Coach Liberty is a clear eyed leader that has been instrumental in the development of the CCU Softball program. Coach Liberty is a high impact person that understands the balance we are trying to strike with our student athletes, and I am grateful for her willingness to lead the team through such an important transition" Poag said. 

As the team looks to the future, there is much to be excited about as the new facility and tradition of excellence will carry on into the years to come as Colorado Christian Softball strives to push even further into the postseason and eventually claim a National Title.