(05-30-2018 01:07 PM)JMad03 Wrote:  I think LaPorte has done enough to "officially" named head coach. However, I do think there is a possibility somebody applies for the position that may be too hard to pass on. That's the only way LaPorte doesn't get the job IMO.

Granted I don't follow college softball closely other than the Dukes, I can't imagine a scenario where someone would apply that would be taken over Laporte. We're arguably the best "mid-major" program in the country so it's not like we're going to hire from a program beneath us. If we had a subpar season then I could see that as a possibility. We can't compete with the P5 on money so I don't see anyone jumping ship from one of those programs to come to JMU.

(05-30-2018 01:23 PM)#YEEHAWDUKES Wrote:  

(05-30-2018 01:07 PM)JMad03 Wrote:  I think LaPorte has done enough to "officially" named head coach. However, I do think there is a possibility somebody applies for the position that may be too hard to pass on. That's the only way LaPorte doesn't get the job IMO.

Granted I don't follow college softball closely other than the Dukes, I can't imagine a scenario where someone would apply that would be taken over Laporte. We're arguably the best "mid-major" program in the country so it's not like we're going to hire from a program beneath us. If we had a subpar season then I could see that as a possibility. We can't compete with the P5 on money so I don't see anyone jumping ship from one of those programs to come to JMU.

I think this is Coach Laporte's job......just have to go thru the painful state required hiring process to make it official. Bourne would look very bad if she were not hired. It's not like the Oklahoma coach is gonna wakeup and say hey, I think I want to go coach at JMU. And I would not want an assistant from any top program being Laporte just had a great season under less than ideal situation.

Of note, Hofstra’s coach took the job at Missouri.

Odicci Alexander and Kate Gordon were both named Third Team All-Americans. Both players just finished their sophomore campaigns. Solid future for this program, and I hope LaPorte can continue to build.

(05-30-2018 02:01 PM)GoJMUDukes Wrote:  Of note, Hofstra’s coach took the job at Missouri.

With Hofstra graduating virtually all its position starters it's a good time to leave.

JMU will compete in the Elite Softball Invitational next Feb. 14-17 in Clearwater, Florida. ESPN Events is creating this.

More... https://www.elitesoftballinvitational.com/

The inaugural early-season tournament will feature Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Hofstra, JMU, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and two teams from the Big Ten to be announced later this year. Thirteen of the teams competing in the event advanced to post-season play this year with Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon advancing to the Women’s College World Series.


JMU Sports release... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/5/31/sof...ional.aspx

that's awesome! The banner at the bottom of the invitational page with all the participating schools' logo is enough to give you chills.

plenty of time to start making travel plans for a Feb weekend in Clearwater.

(05-31-2018 12:01 PM)Wear Purple Wrote:  JMU will compete in the Elite Softball Invitational next Feb. 14-17 in Clearwater, Florida. ESPN Events is creating this.

More... https://www.elitesoftballinvitational.com/

The inaugural early-season tournament will feature Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Hofstra, JMU, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and two teams from the Big Ten to be announced later this year. Thirteen of the teams competing in the event advanced to post-season play this year with Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon advancing to the Women’s College World Series.


JMU Sports release... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/5/31/sof...ional.aspx

That tournament lives up to its name, definitely elite....better show up ready to play in that one.

(05-31-2018 12:01 PM)Wear Purple Wrote:  JMU will compete in the Elite Softball Invitational next Feb. 14-17 in Clearwater, Florida. ESPN Events is creating this.

More... https://www.elitesoftballinvitational.com/

The inaugural early-season tournament will feature Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Hofstra, JMU, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and two teams from the Big Ten to be announced later this year. Thirteen of the teams competing in the event advanced to post-season play this year with Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon advancing to the Women’s College World Series.


JMU Sports release... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/5/31/sof...ional.aspx

This was the tournament they mentioned during the ACC Tournament championship game. I'm glad they finally put something on their website. When I checked a week or two ago, it looked like a site still under construction from 1996. This might be a great late winter getaway. Hopefully Megan is healthy enough to match up against some of these ELITE teams. Can't wait for the Dukes' 2018-19 season to start!

(06-01-2018 09:53 AM)AssyrianDuke Wrote:  

(05-31-2018 12:01 PM)Wear Purple Wrote:  JMU will compete in the Elite Softball Invitational next Feb. 14-17 in Clearwater, Florida. ESPN Events is creating this.

More... https://www.elitesoftballinvitational.com/

The inaugural early-season tournament will feature Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Hofstra, JMU, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and two teams from the Big Ten to be announced later this year. Thirteen of the teams competing in the event advanced to post-season play this year with Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon advancing to the Women’s College World Series.


JMU Sports release... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/5/31/sof...ional.aspx

This was the tournament they mentioned during the ACC Tournament championship game. I'm glad they finally put something on their website. When I checked a week or two ago, it looked like a site still under construction from 1996. This might be a great late winter getaway. Hopefully Megan is healthy enough to match up against some of these ELITE teams. Can't wait for the Dukes' 2018-19 season to start!

Florida State won its (and the ACC's) first national title in softball. So, it is possible the Dukes will be facing the defending champs in this event next February.

LaPorte signs 4-year extension as head coach... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/6/18/lap...tball.aspx

As expected. Congrats to Coach LaPorte. Well deserved. Now, go win that natty.

(06-19-2018 07:44 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  LaPorte signs 4-year extension as head coach... https://jmusports.com/news/2018/6/18/lap...tball.aspx

As expected. Congrats to Coach LaPorte. Well deserved. Now, go win that natty.

Excellent news, and well deserved.

Bourne has been busy hiring coaches the last week or so.....Tennis, Golf, Softball.

All seem like very good hires.

Congrats to Coach LaPorte on the new deal. Looking forward to next season already!!

Brian