COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland softball head coach Mark Montgomery has announced his resignation from his position after four seasons leading the Terrapins due to personal reasons on Thursday.

Maryland will immediately launch a national search for the new head coach of the softball program.

"We wish Mark well in the future as he takes some time away from the field," said Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "Under Mark's guidance, Maryland softball returned to the national scene with several wins over nationally-ranked opponents while posting its best record in more than a decade and we thank him for that and wish him well.

"In looking for our future head coach of the softball program, we will identify the strongest candidates and hire a dynamic leader who will continue to build our program to be nationally competitive. I'm confident we will find an outstanding coach and educator who will help our student-athletes excel both on and off the field."

Montgomery posted a 98-78 record in four seasons leading Maryland. Overall, in 23 years as a college head coach, he posted a 654-561 career record with stints at Georgetown (KY), Centenary, Northern Colorado, Louisiana Tech, and Maryland.

In 2023, Montgomery led the Terps to a 38-19 season, their most wins since the 2011 season. Maryland picked up ranked wins over No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 22 Oregon, leading the Terps to a dominant tournament season record of 22-5.

The Terps recorded their first-ever three-shutout Big Ten series sweep defeating Michigan State, outscoring the Spartans 22-0. Montgomery led the Terps to a program record .977 fielding percentage, which led the Big Ten. Maryland also hit 36 home runs on the season, the most since 2013. Maryland made their first postseason appearance since 2012 at the NISC Tournament, the program's fifth postseason appearance overall; the Terps finished as semifinalists

"My four years at Maryland have been very rewarding and it was exciting to be a part of the resurgence of a proud program competing in one of the best conferences in the country," said Montgomery. "The past two years our family has dealt with some challenges. I have decided to step down from my position in order to have more time to focus on what's most important to me. I look forward to returning to the game of softball when the time is right. I wish the Maryland softball program continued success."

Assistant coach Laura Heberling will serve as interim head coach while the search for the next head coach is conducted.