BELMONT, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey Head Softball Coach Tony Mele has announced his retirement, effective immediately, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said today. Assistant coach Samantha West has been elevated to the position.

Mele leaves the program as its all-time winningest coach, posting a 115-133 record in his six seasons, the first of which was cut short by the Covid pandemic. The Crusaders finished with at least 20 wins three times, including a program-record 30 in 2022. He served as an assistant coach during the 2019 campaign.

"On behalf of Belmont Abbey College, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Coach Tony Mele for his leadership of our Softball program over the past seven years, including six as Head Coach," Miss said. "His dedication has strengthened the program, leaving a lasting legacy. Through thoughtful, intentional succession planning, we are confident that Coach West will build on this foundation, continuing to form and develop our students—mind, body, and soul—enabling them to realize their full potential and become a blessing to themselves and others."

West came to The Abbey in the fall of 2022 as an assistant coach, also serving as head coach of the Developmental team, She played a major role in the success of the varsity program, including a school-record batting average of .305, with a focus on recruiting and practice planning. During games, West served as the first-base coach.

Before Belmont Abbey, West served as head softball coach and a special education teacher at Maiden High School for the 2021-22 school year. A four-year starter at Tusculum, played 162 games at shortstop for the Pioneers.

"I am deeply grateful for God's guidance and for the support of Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., former President Dr. William Thierfelder, Interim President Joseph Wysocki, and Athletic Director Stephen Miss in entrusting me with this opportunity," West said. "Belmont Abbey is truly home, and it is the people here who make this community so special. I look forward to continuing the growth of our program in a way that reflects the Abbey's mission and values.

"I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Coach Tony Mele for his mentorship and example of character and loyalty. He has built a strong foundation, both on and off the field, and I am honored to continue that work. As we move forward, my commitment is to help our student-athletes grow athletically, academically, and spiritually. I look forward to the growth opportunity of culture and competitiveness within our program."

West graduated from Tusculum University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Comprehensive K-12). She earned a Master's degree in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services from California State University-Northridge last year.