Softball: Back to Normal – Lotief returns to role as head coach

Kevin Foote, The Advertiser, February 28, 2013

Michael Lotief was smiling again on Wednesday.

Deep down, though, the UL softball coach knows there was a price to play for his improved countenance.

Since Feb. 8, the Ragin’ Cajun softball program has been the subject of controversy stemming from his temporary resignation as head coach and serving as a volunteer coach, technically under interim head coach Megan Granger.

At the time, Lotief said the move was about achieving "continued dialogue" with university officials about the future direction of UL softball.

On Wednesday, it became apparent that the discussions were productive when it was announced that Lotief will return to his position as head softball coach with a new five-year contract in hand.

"It’s all worked out," Lotief said. "This entire situation has never been all about me. It’s been about this program pursuing excellence. Dr. (Joseph) Savoie and the athletic director (Scott Farmer) are committed to the pursuit of excellence.

"I realize that it’s been a messy, imperfect process. I want to apologize to the fans and the university for the bad timing of all of this. That’s all on me. But sometimes in life and in business, you have to be willing to have those hard discussions to bring about change. I sincerely appreciate the university caring and listening."

Through the three-week limbo filled with rumor, supposition and intrigue in and around the program, very little has changed on the field. The Cajuns are off to a fantastic start at 13-2 and coming off a tournament championship at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla., over the weekend.

The real tangible changes have come in the coaching staff. Granger will remain as an assistant coach. Former UL standout Lana Bowers will remain as an assistant coach, while assistant coach Josh Johnson is on leave to play for the USA National Team in New Zealand.

"Michael’s extensive knowledge and experience have helped the Ragin’ Cajuns successfully compete with elite college teams during the past 12 years," Savoie said in a statement. "The Cajuns are already having a strong season and I’m confident that his guidance will enable our players to reach their full potential."

The next challenge for the team is to head to Orlando, Fla, for the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic against more of the nation’s top teams, including Texas and Texas A&M.

"I am happy that Michael will return as our head coach," Farmer said. "The Louisiana softball program has matured and grown under Michael and Stefni Lotief and it is only fitting that a Lotief be in the dugout as its head coach."

Lotief said throughout the last three weeks that his team has stayed together for their goals on the field, as well as those off of it in terms of reaching agreements that would extend the success of the program for years to come.

Lotief said the productive resolution of the issue was due to three main factors. The first one was the communication of his players with the school’s administration.

"The first one is the willingness of the administration to listen to the concerns of our student-athletes," Lotief said. "I believe that they really touched the hearts of our president and our athletic director.

"I believe that our president is a man of courage. I believe that our president is a fearless leader. I believe that our president is a wise, very, very wise man. I believe he’s committed to pursuing excellence both academically and athletically."

Lotief’s second factor was the program’s loyal fan base.

"We have a community here that loves this program," he said. "They believe in these kids so much that they’re willing to stand by them. They want what’s best for these kids and this program."

Lotief said he’s been asked often by fans in these last three weeks what they could do to help. The coach’s answer is simple.

"If we can sell another 500 season tickets that would effectively add $100,000 to our softball budget in real dollars," he said. "That’s on top of the additional commitments of the university to this program."

His third factor in reaching the peace treaty was the players themselves.

"These are good kids who aren’t scared to work hard," Lotief said. "They also understand that part of the softball legacy is to always fight for respect. They understand that they’re playing for something bigger than just themselves. They’re committed to leaving a legacy of this program being better off than they got it."

Now that the controversy has been calmed and concerns addressed, Lotief is ready for the remainder of the season.

"I’m definitely renewed," he said. "I’m ready to continue the journey, although I never was really off the journey."