UL Softball Players Comment On Michael Lotief’s Dismissal – VIDEO
Current Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball players are reacting to news of the dismissal of former had coach Michael Lotief.
Louisiana said it terminated Lotief after multiple complaints about harassment.
Lotief had been on administrative leave since October 6, after what Lotief’s attorney said was a “passionate conversation” with university officials about perceived gender inequities in the program.
In 15 seasons as either head coach or co-head coach at Louisiana, including 17 seasons overall, Lotief was part of a program that advanced to the NCAA tournament in every single one.
Lotief led his teams to over 40 wins in every season, accumulated eight seasons with 50-or-more victories, and set a school-record with 60 wins in 2004.
Under his guidance as head coach, the Cajuns advanced to three Women’s College World Series (2003, 2008 & 2014), seven NCAA Super Regionals and 15 NCAA regionals.
In addition, Louisiana captured the Sun Belt Conference regular season championship 13 times in his 15-year tenure as a head coach, including 15 titles in his 17 seasons, overall.
The Cajuns also won 14 conference tournament championships in the 18 years of softball in the league, while posting an all-time record of 56-8 in the event, with Lotief in the dugout.
Lotief compiled a career record of 729-174 at UL.
Below, senior All-American outfielder Aleah Craighton gives her thoughts on Lotief's dismissal:
Sophomore catcher Miranda Grotenhuis commented on the situation: