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Mater Dei announced Monday the “departure” of softball coach Nicole Wise, who in her first season guided the Monarchs to a runner-up finish in CIF-SS Division 2.
In a media release, the Trinity League school stated the change was “effective immediately.”
“We appreciate coach Wise’s contributions to our softball program and we wish her the best in her futureendeavors,” Mater Dei athletic director Ken Miller stated. “The search for a new head coach will commence immediately.”
Wise didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
In her first season as a high school head coach, Wise led the Monarchs to the title of the Dugard tournament, an at-large berth to the playoffs and a runner-up finish to Whittier Christian in Division 2 in May. The Heralds rallied in the championship game for a dramatic 5-3 victory in eight innings.
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Mater Dei finished 19-12 and ranked 11th in Orange County.
The Monarchs were among several teams to opt out of the CIF SoCal Regional.
“I really appreciate coaching these girls,” Wise said of her players during the postseason. “They want to work hard, and they worked hard from the first day I walked in.”
Wise played outfield at Pacifica for late coach Mark Campbell before moving on to Cypress College and Hope International.
She served as a high school and college assistant coach before arriving at Mater Dei.
Wise replaced Mater Dei coach Nicole Thomas, who took the coaching reins at Vanguard University.
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