Bama Softball 38-18 (10-14) (2023-24)

Associate Head Softball Coach Alyson Habetz Announces Retirement

Habetz helped guide Alabama Softball to 14 World Series appearances and 11 SEC titles during her 25 years with the program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – After 25 seasons with Alabama Softball, Associate Head Coach Alyson Habetz has announced her retirement.

"It is with a heavy heart overflowing with gratitude that I am retiring from The University of Alabama to help care for my mom," Habetz said.

"Twenty-five years ago, Patrick Murphy asked me to help him start a softball program in Tuscaloosa. Accepting his invitation led me to discover a career that has truly filled my life beyond measure. There are no words I can say to appropriately thank Coach Murphy for such a gift. I have had the privilege of coaching beside a true legend in our sport. He has created an atmosphere of growth and a culture of excellence with family and gratitude as the centerpiece. What I admire most is Murph's ability to win championships at the highest level while constantly emphasizing the development of the person over the athlete. Sharing this journey with Coach Murphy has truly been a blessing I will treasure, and I'm extremely honored to call him a mentor and a friend."

Habetz joined the Crimson Tide staff on Sept. 21, 1998, the program's third year overall and its first under Head Coach Patrick Murphy. Since that time, she has helped build Alabama into one of the premiere programs in the country, guiding the team to six SEC regular season titles and five SEC Tournament titles along with 14 Women's College World Series appearances. In 2012, the Tide won its first national championship and the first for any Southeastern Conference program.

"I can't thank Aly enough for her loyalty and servant heart for the past 25 years," Alabama Head Softball Coach Patrick Murphy said. "It is almost unheard of these days for a coach to stay at one school for so many years. Her legacy at Alabama will be passed down through our current and former players onto the next generation. Anyone who watched us saw her passion and fire on the field and it was always represented in the way we played."

Working primarily with Alabama's outfielders during her tenure in Tuscaloosa, she has helped mentor many All-Americans including four-time honorees Kelly Kretschman (1998-2001), Brittany Rogers (2006-09) and Haylie McCleney (2013-16).

"To those who have worn and who currently wear the Bama Softball jersey - without a doubt, you have been the most fulfilling part of my career," Habetz said. "I am so humbled by the trust you gave me. It motivated me to be a better coach and to always remind you of your true worth and value. The tremendous adversity you each had to overcome to accomplish greatness as individuals and as a team inspired me daily. Celebrating you brought out a genuine passion in me that was tangible. Every celebration filled me with authentic joy. The best part of all is that when you join our Bama Softball family, your membership has no expiration date!"

"For 25 years, Coach Habetz has played a significant role in Alabama softball," said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. "We are so grateful for her contributions not only to the program, but also to the lives of the countless people she's impacted. She is the ultimate team player and one of the best all-around people you'll meet. We wish Coach Habetz all the best in her well-deserved retirement."

Her contributions to softball and women's athletics extend far beyond her time with Alabama. As a high schooler in Crowley, La., she spent two years fighting the state courts for the opportunity to play baseball and eventually became the first female in the state of Louisiana to play high school baseball, earning All-District honors at Notre Dame High School. Collegiately at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, formerly Southwestern Louisiana, she was a scholarship basketball player as well as an All-American softball player. In 1993, Habetz and the Ragin' Cajuns made it all the way to the Women's College World Series.

"To my fellow Alabama Softball coaches and support staff over the years - the complete buy-in from everyone associated with Alabama Softball is unlike anywhere else," Habetz said. "Your talents and hard work have helped our student athletes in every aspect of their lives. You have given our young women the best opportunity to have success both on and off the field. Thank you for your expertise, your countless hours of selfless service, and your friendship and support over the years. You are indeed the bedrock of BAMA U! To The University of Alabama, your tradition of excellence has inspired me to a higher level of greatness. President [Stuart] Bell, Athletic Director Greg Byrne and all their predecessors have consistently believed that a higher standard of excellence begins with how you treat people. They go above and beyond to cultivate meaningful relationships with employees, athletes and students alike. It has been an honor to be a part of this culture for 25 years. Thank you for teaching me, supporting me, challenging me and welcoming me into your family. I have developed lifelong friendships and learned from so many successful coaches. It has been a great privilege to experience the entirety of my coaching career with the Crimson Tide."

Habetz was inducted into the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Hall of Fame in 2003, the Louisiana High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and the West Alabama Softball Hall of Fame in 2019.

"I also want to extend a big thank you to the Alabama Softball fans," Habetz said. "We truly do have the best fans in the country. You have proven that by breaking attendance records year after year for the past two decades. You tremendously enhance the experience our athletes have when they compete. Your presence and passion make our opponents dread playing at the Rhoads House. Your loyalty and support over the years has played an integral role in the success of Alabama Softball. I am so grateful I was able to experience your support over the last 25 years. I would also like to thank my colleagues across the country. Some of you shared your wisdom with me while others offered friendship and support. I appreciate your investment in me and I'm so grateful God allowed our paths to cross."

"Coaching softball at The University of Alabama has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life," Habetz said. "Each person I have encountered on this journey has left an indelible mark on my heart that I will cherish for a lifetime. Thank You from the bottom of my heart! God Bless & Roll Tide Forever!"

I haven’t watched a ton of Alabama softball this year, mostly because it’s been hard to watch.

I felt like I needed a shower after learning we were hosting a regional.

Dirty.

Any other teams with a losing conference record hosting? Has that ever happened before?

This defense is not good at all. Overall they have played better down the stretch from when they started the season though.