MASON, Ohio — Mason High School softball coach Liann Muff will be forever grateful for the connections she has formed as the Comets coach.
Muff announced prior to this softball season that this spring would be her final year of coaching the Greater Miami Conference program. Muff, who has 308 career wins, is in her 15th season as the Mason head coach.
“It’s been an amazing part of my life coaching all these young female athletes all these years,” Muff said.
Muff said this season is bittersweet knowing the countless memories made through the years. The Mason coach said she’s been humbled by the alumni support early this season through phone calls and attendance at games.
“I’ve done this for a lot of my adult life, and I just (have) such a love for this sport and the girls that play it," Muff said. "I just think about all the contributors over the years. I really hope and want them to know that whatever role they played was important. It was appreciated."
Muff said she’s also looking forward to a different chapter of life. Muff and her husband, Martin, have five grandchildren. The couple also likes to travel.
“It was a tough decision," Muff said. "I had to practice saying it out loud for a couple months before I actually told a person. It will be different. But I’m excited for my next chapter. I’m excited for this program’s next chapter. I trust (Mason athletic director) Scott Stemple to hire someone wonderful. And we’ll carry on our culture and our standards. So I’m looking forward to being a spectator.”
Muff has been with the Mason program since 2004, starting first as an assistant coach to then-head coach Brian Castner (head football coach) and then as a head coach starting in 2011.
"I think she has a lot of pride with the Mason community," Castner said. "The girls enjoyed playing for her. She loved Mason softball.”
Hear more about Muff's impact in the video below:
Mason (14-2 record as of April 21) is ranked No. 5 in the Division I state coaches' association poll. The Comets have seven seniors and continue to carry on a standard of excellence each season. Muff has played a significant role in leading the program.
“I’ve been watching (Mason softball) since I was 12 years old and just following along and being able to watch from the stands and now in the dugout, her dynamic as a coach and just the team chemistry in general is amazing,” Mason senior outfielder Annabelle Geiser said.
Mason is one of the most well-respected softball programs in Ohio. Mason earned trips to the 2013 and 2016 Division I state Final Four. Mason won GMC championships in 2010, 2015, 2016 (co-championship with Lakota East), 2017 and 2018.
Muff is also grateful for the rapport with assistant coaches Jenni Meier and Dave Bell. The Mason coaching staff teaches life lessons that go beyond the game itself.
“Mason softball has really shaped me for who I am as a human being," Mason senior outfielder Addie McBrayer said. "It’s made me a stronger player and a stronger person mentally and physically."
Muff is also grateful for the support of the community and the school. She’s enjoyed competing with coaches of other programs in the GMC, too.
“Clearly she has made (Mason) into consistently one of the most competitive programs in the state of Ohio,” Lebanon softball coach Brian Kindell said. "I’ve always been impressed with her desire to give back to her community.”
Oak Hills softball coach Jackie Cornelius-Bedel has the utmost respect for Muff.
“Coach Muff has consistently had solid teams that have always competed among the top in the city and within the Greater Miami Conference," Cornelius-Bedel said. "I have so much respect for coaches who have given so many years to the sport and to their players and their families. Being a mother/wife in this role is never an easy one and often holds a short coaching span. Congrats for juggling so many roles for as long as you have and doing it so well. Congrats on a more than successful coaching career.”
