Laing Harrow steps down as Australia Women's National Softball Team head coach

Softball Australia announced that Laing Harrow has decided to leave the Women's National Softball Team head coach position. It marks the end of a successful and longstanding contribution, including qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Harrow's impact extended beyond the women's programme. Since 1995, he has coached numerous teams, including leading the men's team to victory at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2022 and guiding Australia's junior teams to multiple championships.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with the Aussie Spirit and the momentum we’ve generated for the next chapter in the leadup to LA 2028,” Harrow said. "I've cherished every moment spent with the two Australian teams, and in every role I've taken on, I've given it my all. This programme is filled with incredible people who are deeply committed and truly connected to each other.”

Harrow said he made this decision now to give Softball Australia adequate time to appoint a new coach to move forward with a clear runway ahead for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.

“Laing leaves a legacy of excellence by developing the next generation of talent and supporting the growth of softball in Australia,” said Sarah Loh, CEO of Softball Australia. “We thank Laing for the immeasurable impact he leaves on the programme.”

Softball Australia will now begin the recruitment process for the next High-Performance Aussie Spirit Head Coach through recruitment firm, Options Consulting Group.

It comes as Softball Australia embarks on the journey towards LA 2028 while the sport continues to inspire the next generation to ensure its rightful place in the Olympic programme ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Harrow will coach out the year, starting with the five-game series against China in Redlands, Brisbane from December 5-8.