Ohio State Softball Seeks New Direction After Dismissing Head Coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly

By Austyn McFadden

May 13, 2024

After twelve seasons at the helm, Kelly Kovach Schoenly has been dismissed as head coach of the Ohio State softball team, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the program in 2025.

Ohio State University has announced the termination of its longtime softball head coach, Kelly Kovach Schoenly, following a 12-year tenure. During her time with the Buckeyes, Schoenly achieved a commendable record of 367-226-1 and led the team to five appearances in the NCAA Regionals.

Mike Penner, the Executive Associate Athletic Director at Ohio State, expressed gratitude for Schoenly’s contributions, stating,

“On behalf of the department, I want to thank Kelly for her leadership of the program and for the positive impact, both on and off the field, on the many student-athletes who wore the Scarlet and Gray during her tenure.”The 2024 season saw the Buckeyes post a 31-20 overall record and a 12-11 mark in the Big Ten, earning them the No. 6 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. However, their season came to an abrupt end after an unexpected loss to No. 11 seed Wisconsin in the tournament’s opening round. This marked the team’s second consecutive year without a berth in the NCAA Tournament and the fourth miss in the last five seasons.

The search for Schoenly’s successor will commence immediately, as stated in a press release from the Ohio State athletic department. Despite Schoenly’s achievements, including 367 victories and regional playoff appearances, the recent lack of NCAA Tournament action has prompted the university to seek new leadership.

Schoenly, who was only the eighth coach in the history of Ohio State softball and the sole one to conclude her tenure with a winning Big Ten record, took over from Linda Kalafatis in 2012. Kalafatis led the team to 538 victories, six regional appearances, and one super regional from 1997-2012.

Ranked as the second-winningest coach in the program’s history, Schoenly also boasts a personal history in softball, having played at Michigan. Her departure ushers in a period of transition and expectation as Ohio State looks to regain its standing in collegiate softball.

Cover Image Cedit: Nicole McCray/Undrafted

Austyn McFadden

I co-founded Undrafted, helping grow it from two people with cameras into a credentialed sports media organization covering thousands of college and professional events each year. My background spans sports media, brand strategy, identity, and digital design. I have also spoken on photography, branding, and entrepreneurship at Nossi College of Art, Greenon Local Schools, and Wright State University through Reynolds & Reynolds.