EASTON, Pa. – Caitlyn de la Haba will step down as the head coach of the Lafayette softball program, a position she has occupied for five seasons. A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. de la Haba will remain in the role through July 31.

"I'd like to thank Bruce McCutcheon and Sherryta Freeman for believing in me and entrusting me to lead Lafayette softball for the last five years," de la Haba said. "I am fortunate to have coached so many phenomenal young women, and am proud of them for investing in the process of building a program."

"My life is forever changed because of Lafayette, and I am so thankful for my time in Easton," de la Haba explained. "As I move toward other career opportunities, I am looking forward to spending more time with family."

de la Haba took over the Leopards' head coaching reins in July 2017 and was the youngest Division I head coach in the nation for 11 months and a day. The team's progression, especially on the offensive side of things, was immediate. The Leopards more than doubled their run production in 2018, scoring 165 runs compared to 88 in 2017, and also increased production in seven other key offensive categories.

In her last season of 2022, two Leopards, Natasha Miner and Grace Harvey, earned Academic All-Patriot League status (the second straight season with two selections) while freshman shortstop Harlie Bickett secured All-Patriot League honors. The pitching staff showed tremendous improvement, shaving five runs off its ERA from the previous season, while striking out 143 batters, the second most during her five-year tenure. On the offensive side of things, the team's batting average continued to climb, reaching .226.

"We want to thank Caitlyn for her dedication to our student-athletes," said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. "Over five seasons, she helped raise the bar for the Lafayette softball program. We wish her luck in her future endeavors."