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Softball: Malveaux leaves, Webre returns to UL Kevin Foote, Daily Advertiser, July 22, 2011 For one, eventually UL coach Michael Lotief knew it was going to happen. For the other, he hoped it would. Both became official this week. Chris Malveaux leaves the Ragin’ Cajun softball coaching staff after three years of service to accept an elevated position at Bradley University of the Missouri Valley Conference. Meanwhile, former player and coach Joy Webre returns to the Cajuns after a two-year stint as St. Thomas More’s head coach. "Chris is like family to us, so you have those emotions," Lotief said. "It’s like losing a friend. He’s been a big part of the program. But you also know that it’s part of the business and you’ve got to get past those emotions. "It’s just like in a game. You’ve got to be ready for the next pitch." That’s why the Cajuns made the quick, smooth transition to a familiar face in Webre, who was a star catcher and assistant coach at UL. "In retrospect, Joy probably never should have left," Lotief said. "She’s been a big part of the program for such a long time. Joy’s a competitor. She’s a natural fit for this program." Webre played at UL from 2002-05 and later served as an assistant coach on the staff. "I enjoyed every minute of my time at St. Thomas More," said UL’s all-time leader in career putouts who is actually Webre-LeBlanc now. "They were great people to work for with fantastic student-athletes. But my heart is with the college game. The college game is definitely what’s best for me and my family right now. "UL has always been in the back of my mind. It’s a place I’ve always loved. It’s kind of like home for me." Prior to his three years at UL, Malveaux was at McNeese State for seven years — three as an assistant and four as a head coach. He’ll be joining a program with seven incoming freshman. "It was definitely a great experience here," Malveaux said. "Mike and Stef (Lotief) have been great to me. I was friends with them for five years before I even got here, so that made the decision a lot tougher. It was just a huge opportunity that I couldn’t pass up." His time around Lamson Park taught Malveaux many things, but a few stick out. "I think one of the biggest things is to have higher expectations," he said. "They teach the kids to have such a work ethic and to raise your standards." With Webre returning to UL, her former position as St. Thomas More’s head coach opens up, but that’s expected to be filled soon.
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