Blake Miller has resigned as head coach of the Virginia softball team, athletics director Craig Littlepage announced Thursday. Miller, who was named coach June 18, 2013, compiled a 42-116 record – including a 12-59 conference mark – during his three-year stint in Charlottesville.
“I would like to thank Blake for his efforts over the last three seasons at U.Va.,” Littlepage said. “While the program showed improvement, I believe a change is necessary for Virginia softball to be in a position to be competitive, first in the conference and then on the national stage.”
Miller took over a team that went 21-28 in 2013. Former coach Eileen Schmidt resigned following the 2013 season after six years on the job.
Miller, a former shortstop for North Carolina-Pembroke, came to Virginia after three seasons as the top assistant at Oregon. Under his guidance, the Ducks advanced to three-consecutive NCAA Super Regionals and the 2012 Women’s College World Series.
Virginia improved each year under Miller, going 8-43, 16-40 and 18-33 in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Still, the team’s 7-14 ACC record in 2016 was only good for ninth place in the 11-team conference. Virginia had the lowest overall winning percentage of any team in the ACC.
Three Cavaliers were named to the ACC All-Academic team during Miller’s tenure. Sophomore Allison Davis — who is both an outfielder and a pitcher — received Second Team All-ACC honors in 2016.