Kylis steps down as UMO head softball coach
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 16, 2014 1:48 PM
rcoggins@newsargus.com
MOUNT OLIVE -- A strong presence in the classroom and consistency on the softball diamond comprised Jaime Kylis' vision when she took over the University of Mount Olive program 12 years ago.
Kylis ended up doing more.
The Valdosta (Ga.) University alum developed a program that gained respect among its regional peers, and contended for conference awards -- individual and team. Now, she is ready to be a mom to daughters Addison and Gracelyn.
Kylis resigned as the Trojans' head coach earlier this week, but will remain as a full-time assistant professor in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. A national search is underway for Kylis' successor.
The players learned of Kylis' decision after a season-ending loss to Lenoir-Rhyne in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional this past weekend. It was UMO's second straight postseason appearance in program history.
"It was really hard to keep it a secret because I'm so open and honest with all of my players ... was really hard to keep it inside," Kylis said. "(There were) a lot of tears, they embraced me and understood ... saw the struggle it was for me with the balance of my children, the program, my teaching duties and I'm back in school now.
"Trying to juggle all of those things became a little bit overwhelming."
Kylis departs as the all-time winningest coach in program history with a 285-270-1 career record. She guided her teams to nine consecutive 20-win seasons, including three 30-win campaigns during her 12 years in the dugout. The 2007 team claimed the Conference Carolinas regular-season championship and set the single-season program record for victories with 39.
The Trojans seized the conference's East division title in 2012.
UMO heads into next spring as the two-time defending Conference Carolinas tournament champion.
But Kylis is most proud of her team's academic achievements. Former Division I hurler Jenny Jackson earned first-team academic All-America honors in 2008 and 2009. The Trojans have consistently posted team GPAs of 3.0 or higher in the classroom.
"They've all been really great students," Kylis said. "For softball, this is is because there is no professional (level). It's important for them to go ahead and use softball as a tool to get an education, hopefully some more graduate education and go into the job force well prepared.
"I think any team sport really helps you with that progression."
Following her own initial guidelines, Kylis is working toward a master's degree in nutrition. Ironically, she's taking classes with some of the students whom she teaches on a daily basis.
Kylis has a master's in kinesiology -- movement science.
At peace with her decision and holder of no regrets, Kylis considers building the Mount Olive program as some of her "best work" during her young career. She said it's the perfect time to turn it over to an energetic, enthusiastic coach who can take it to even greater heights.
"I just have to let it be and know there is a plan for everything," said Kylis, who will participate on the search committee for her replacement. "There is someone out there who can work hard and take them to the next level, and really get more out of them as athletes ... has the time to be there, work with them whenever they need it.
"I just hope the next person who comes in will continue to get the work done, have a bigger vision. That would be awesome."
And continue the winning tradition Kylis and her players have established on and off the field.