BIG SPRING – Howard College Hawk Head Softball Coach, Kelly Raines, has resigned her position to accept the Head Coach and Athletic Director position with Galveston College. The resignation is effective immediately and assistant coach Ashley “AC” Lopez will step in as interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
“Our softball program has an excellent reputation and record thanks in great part to Coach Raines,” said Mike Yeater, Howard College Athletic Director. “To say that she will be missed is a huge understatement.”
Raines has been at Howard College leading the Hawks’ softball program for 16 years to include 8 conference championships, 7 regional championships and 8 nods as Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) Coach of the Year.
Coach Raines stated that “Howard College has a very special place in her heart, and this was a difficult decision to make. She went on to say that Although she is excited about the next steps for me and my family, I will miss Howard College and the Howard County community.
Raines will be coaching the Galveston College Whitecaps in Region XIV of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
According to Dr. Cheryl Sparks, President of Howard College, Kelly Raines has been a pillar in their athletic department for many years and she leaves some big shoes to fill. Dr. Sparks also stated, “When we say ‘Making Dreams Real,’ she took that very seriously for students and pushed them all to be the best they could be. She will be missed, and we wish her and her family nothing but the best in their continued journey.”
Raines’ husband, Scott Raines, who serves in the role of Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the Hawks, will continue in his role through the spring 2022 semester.
The head softball coach position is being posted and recruitment for Raines’ replacement will begin immediately.
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