The FIU softball program suffered a body blow in July, when star pitcher Shannon Saile transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners, who have won three national titles in the past six years.
FIU had perhaps the best season in program history in 2017, setting school records for most wins (46), fewest losses (15) and best winning percentage (.754). The Panthers finished fifth in the nation in fielding percentage (.977) and 14th in ERA (1.77), advancing all the way to an NCAA regional before losing to Oklahoma State.
But the Panthers slumped to 30-25 last season, and coach Gator Rebhan and FIU agreed to part ways.