OREM, Utah – After three seasons as Utah Valley University's head softball coach, TJ Hubbard has accepted the head coach position at the University of Texas El Paso. UVU assistant coach Shelby Graves will serve as the program's interim head coach until a permanent replacement is named.
 
"We are extremely grateful for the time that TJ and his family have spent here at Utah Valley University," said director of athletics, Dr. Jared Sumsion. "He's leaving the program in a good place and we wish him the best of luck at UTEP. We are excited to continue to see the progression of our program and look forward to finding a perfect fit to lead our student-athletes."
 
Hubbard was the WAC Coach of the Year in 2018 after leading the team to a 10-4 record in conference play, the best finish in program history. That team also made the program's second postseason appearance, participating in the National Invitational Softball Championship.
 
He recorded his 200th career win as a college head coach this past season and amassed 52 wins while at UVU. He currently sits at 213 victories in his career. Under Hubbard's tutelage, the Wolverines produced two WAC Pitcher of the Year awards and two Freshman of the Year honors. He also coached seven All-WAC honorees during his tenure in Orem.
 
"This was a difficult decision for my me and my family. We are thankful for our time spent in Utah and at UVU and appreciate the opportunity to lead this team. I am proud of what our kids accomplished both on and off the field. This program is on the rise in the WAC. The timing of this announcement is not ideal but the program's future is currently in good hands with Shelby & Ronnie," said Hubbard. "To my players: I learned more from you than you will ever know – I will miss you more than you will ever know. I am grateful for the time we spent together and I wish you nothing but the best in 2020."
 
Graves arrived at UVU in August as an assistant for Hubbard and was most recently on staff at Kansas Wesleyan University where she also served as its interim head coach. Prior to the interim position there she was also the assistant coach and a graduate assistant, from 2016-18. She is a 2015 graduate of Florida International University where she was named Sun Belt All-Conference team as a pitcher. She received her bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management from FIU and later earned an MBA from Kansas Wesleyan.
 
The national search for UVU's next head coach is underway. All inquiries should be directed to the softball sport administrator, Adam Sanft (adam.sanft@uvu.edu), the senior associate athletic director for compliance.