West Virginia State University Athletics

By: James Garcia, Sports Information Director

INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- The West Virginia State University Athletics Department announced Head Softball Coach Mattie Best's resignation on Thursday afternoon. Best was a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets from 2011-2014, an assistant coach from 2015-2017, and the head coach of the softball program for the past three years. 

"Mattie has made an impact on our softball program since the day she arrived on campus years ago," said Athletic Director Nate Burton. "WVSU Softball competed at the highest level during her tenure as head coach, achieving MEC championships and NCAA appearances. We hate to see her go, but we wish her the best as she moves on to the next chapter of her personal life."

Best played a crucial role in the softball program's recent success as both a player and a coach. She helped the Yellow Jackets to runner-up finishes in the WVIAC Tournament in 2011 and 2012 along with two NCAA Regional Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013 as a player. She was also a member of the squad that won the final edition of the WVIAC Tournament in 2013. 

Upon graduation, she joined the coaching staff as an assistant under then Head Coach Kerri Blackwell. Best spent the next three seasons learning the coaching trade until Blackwell moved into an administrative role within the athletics department in 2017. Best was subsequently appointed head coach by Athletic Director Nate Burton with full confidence in her ability to take the next step in her coaching career.

In her first season as head coach, Best led the Yellow Jackets to a 35-22 overall record while capturing the first-ever MEC Tournament Championship for the softball program. West Virginia State also made an appearance in the NCAA Atlantic Region 2 Tournament that same year. 

Best followed up her first-year success with an even more remarkable second season at the helm. The Yellow Jackets finished 35-16 overall, 23-8 in league play and claimed their first-ever MEC South Division Title. They once again made the NCAA Atlantic Region 2 Tournament and finished runners-up to West Chester.
 
West Virginia State was picked to top the South Division again in the 2020 MEC Preseason Poll with 65 votes and 10 first-place votes. The season was unfortunately cut short due to concerns over COVID-19 before the Yellow Jackets got the chance to test their merits against conference opponents.

The following is Mattie Best's official statement regarding her upcoming departure:

Three years ago I was fortunate to have my dream of being a head softball coach come true.  The fact that it was at my alma mater made it even sweeter for me.  As much as it hurts, I'm moving on to seek other opportunities and adventures in Pennsylvania. Jacket Softball has been my heart and soul for a decade now and it is something that I will always cherish. The relationships that I have fostered and developed with both players and staff will always be dear to me.
 
To the Athletics Department:
 
I will be forever indebted to you for taking a chance on me. I hope that I represented WVSU well. As I leave friends and what I consider my second family, I want you all to know that you have helped build my coaching style and passion and I can't wait to share what I have learned from you all. I want to thank you all for all the help you have given me throughout these past years.
 
To my girls:
 
Leading you has been one of my favorite journeys in my life. I have learned so much from each of you that helped mold me into the coach and person that I strive to be. I couldn't have done my job without the trust you had in me to lead you into the fire. You all will forever be a special part of my coaching career. I have watched each of you grow and turn into strong females that will excel in whatever your next chapter in life is. I will always be your biggest supporter on and off the field. 
 
To my staff:
 
Nip, you have been a father figure to me, a person to help lead me to trust my gut on tough calls and taught me countless lessons about softball. My time with you is the reason why my coaching career at State was so successful. I am forever thankful. 
 
Mckenzie, I am grateful you chose to be a part of my staff for the last two years. I have seen you grow both as a coach and as a young woman. I'm very thankful for the friendship that has come through coaching with you. I also want to say thank you for allowing me to be your mentor in the coaching world. 
 
I will miss seeing everyone on a regular basis, but don't any of you worry, I will be around cheering you all on whenever I can!
 
Jacket Up!
 
Best,

Mattie