SUNY Oneonta appoints Megan LaMont as head softball coach
LaMont arrives from SUNY Cortland, where she served as an assistant coach, marking a strategic shift for the Red Dragons’ athletic department under Athletic Director Ryan Hooper.
SUNY Oneonta has formally appointed Megan LaMont as its new head softball coach, the institution announced on Friday, 14 August. The decision marks a structural adjustment for the Red Dragons’ athletic program, with Athletic Director Ryan Hooper positioning LaMont as a central figure in the department’s ongoing strategy to enhance student-athlete development.
LaMont joins the Oneonta faculty following a tenure as an assistant coach at SUNY Cortland, a role she held from 2023 to 2026. Her appointment follows a period of extensive operational involvement at Cortland, where she contributed to practice planning, player development, recruiting, scouting, and game preparation. Additionally, her responsibilities encompassed fundraising, community engagement, and broader team operations.
Hooper highlighted LaMont’s established presence within the SUNYAC conference as a key determinant in the selection process. In a media release, the Athletic Director noted LaMont’s “wealth of experience” and her commitment to fostering growth in student-athletes both on and off the field. Hooper expressed confidence that LaMont would serve as a significant asset to the program and an effective representative of the athletic department’s institutional values.
The appointment comes at a time when LaMont is completing her academic requirements within the SUNY system. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland in December 2023 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Recreation Management and Leisure Services, with an anticipated graduation date in May. This educational trajectory aligns with the institution’s emphasis on academic and professional development alongside athletic performance.
LaMont acknowledged the appointment in the official release, describing the role as a “special opportunity” to build team culture and integrate into the Oneonta community. Her transition from assistant to head coach reflects a broader institutional effort to secure leadership with demonstrated experience in conference-level competition and holistic athlete management.
