Arizona assistant softball coach Larry Ray announced Tuesday that he has left the staff to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Ray had been a top assistant to head coach Mike Candrea for 21 season in two stints with UA, first from 1986-95 and then from 2002-12.
"I'm proud of my contributions to the University of Arizona softball program for 21 years, and all the experiences and challenges have prepared me well for my next coaching endeavor," Ray said. "I'd like to thank (former UA athletics directors) Cedric Dempsey and the late Mary Roby and coach Mike Candrea for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful program."
Candrea added, "Larry Ray has given our softball program and the University of Arizona many great years of service and commitment. I am grateful for his tremendous contributions, dedication and loyalty to our softball program. I wish Larry the best in the future."
Ray, who was acting head coach at UA when Candrea was in charge of the 2004 and 2008 U.S. Olympic teams, helped established the program at Florida's program during a five-year tenure from 1997-2001 in which he compiled a 169-106 mark.
In his two years leading the UA program, the Wildcats had records of 55-6 in 2004, when they won the Pac-10 title, and 41-19 mark in 2008, when they reached the College World Series.
