Courtney Layne was hired as a graduate assistant coach for the Longwood softball in July. She begins her first season with the Lancers in 2027.
Layne, a standout left-handed pitcher for the last four seasons at nationally ranked Virginia and native of nearby Appomattox, Va., compiled a 21-7 record with a 3.45 ERA over 91 games for the Cavaliers, helping them to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Last season, Layne pitched to a career-best 12-4 record and 2.73 ERA in 107 2/3 innings with four saves and 98 strikeouts on the way to being named NFCA first-team all-region.
A four-time selection for both the ACC Academic Honor Roll and ACC Softball All-Academic Team, Layne was also earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team honors in 2024.
"I'm thrilled to have Courtney joining our staff," head coach Eric Oakley said. "Her experience at the highest level of our game means she will have a wealth of knowledge to share with the team. Her passion for the game, and pitching in particular, will undoubtedly be contagious. I feel very fortunate that she's decided to begin her coaching career in Farmville."
Layne posted five combined shutouts as a junior, including firing three innings of one-hit ball at No. 8 Florida State in a 2-0 victory on April 4, 2025. She also combined for a no-hitter against Syracuse on April 12 of that year, throwing the first three innings in a run-rule win.
"I'm excited to be part of Longwood softball," said Layne," and eager to help build and grow the program, all while staying close to home. Go Lancers!"
Rated the No. 14 pitcher in the country by Extra Innings Softball out of Appomattox County High School, Layne led the Raiders to two state titles, twirling a perfect games in the championship contest of each. She posted 10 no-hitters and four perfect games in 2022 as a senior with 16 consecutive shutouts while being named the state Player of the Year.
Layne, a three-year student-athlete advisory committee representative for the Cavaliers, graduated Virginia in 2026 with honors and a degree in Youth and Social Innovation and minor in Leadership. She is pursuing her MBA at Longwood.
