Head Softball Coach Ray Vander May to Step Down
5/29/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Ray Vander May announced today that he will step down after 16 years as the head coach of the Seton Hall softball program. Vander May's desire to spend more time with his family and focus more closely and solely on the pitching aspects of the game were significant factors in his decision.
"Ray has been a wonderful representative of the softball program and Seton Hall University since the mid-90's," said Patrick Lyons, Seton Hall Director of Athletics. "On his watch, the team has seen unprecedented success. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."
Vander May guided the Pirates to back-to-back BIG EAST Championships in 2004 and 2005 on his way to becoming the program's all-time leader in wins. With a career record of 423-382-3, Vander May led Seton Hall to three NCAA Regional appearances (2001, 2004, 2005) and earned BIG EAST Coach of the Year, in addition to NFCA Northeast Coaching Staff of the Year, in the two banner seasons.
"It has been a pleasure coaching so many fine student-athletes over my 16 years at Seton Hall," Vander May said. "I have been blessed to have worked with so many caring people. I wish the best to all the programs and I thank everyone for their support over the years."
Under his guidance, Vander May coached 32 All-BIG EAST players, 18 All-Region performers to go with nearly 200 BIG EAST Academic All-Stars and mentoring five Top-Ten Academic Teams through the NFCA.
Prior to his stint in South Orange, Vander May taught in the Cedar Grove school system for 31 years, and coached softball there for 21 years, boasting a remarkable 379-130-1 record. In 1997, he was inducted to the Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame for his efforts. His legacy was not forgotten as the new softball field at Cedar Grove's Leonard R. Parkes School was dedicated to Vander May in 2010.
