Marissa Young is an American softball coach who has served as Duke University’s head softball coach since 2016. She was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2003 while pitching for the University of Michigan. Young served as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina just before joining Duke.
Since taking on the role of head softball coach at Duke University on July 29, 2015, Marissa has made a significant impact on the Duke softball program. Over the past seven years, Young has led the team to a commendable 165-85 record, solidifying her reputation as a skilled and dedicated coach.
Early Life
Marissa Veronica Young was born on August 30, 1981. Her father, Robert Young, is a well-known, long-time club coach with the Firecracker organization in California—he is an assistant on both collegiate and club teams. Regarding her parents or siblings, there is no prior information.
Marissa Young Career
Young continued to build on this success in subsequent seasons. In 2018, the team showcased their resilience by securing four series victories in conference play, including a sweep against Boston College in the first home ACC series in program history.
Duke’s softball program made waves right from its inception in 2018. Young’s team wasted no time in making their mark, securing their first-ever win against Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Florida. The following week, the Blue Devils created a buzz in their inaugural home games at Duke Softball Stadium by sweeping Penn State and Purdue in the 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
They followed it up with impressive road series wins against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Ultimately, Duke concluded the ACC slate with another sweep, this time against Virginia, defying preseason predictions that placed them last in the league.
Young didn’t shy away from challenging her team with a tough non-conference schedule, exposing them to formidable opponents like Notre Dame and Liberty at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge. The team showcased their skills at various tournaments, including the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in California, and the Duke Invitational.
During her inaugural season in 2019, Young guided the team to a respectable 25-31 record. The Blue Devils showed their mettle in the ACC Tournament, securing the sixth seed after posting an 11-13 record in league action.
In 2020, although the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Young’s squad demonstrated immense promise, achieving the best start in program history with a remarkable 23-4 record. The team’s impressive performance earned them a spot in the final ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll, where they ranked No. 25.
Rise to Fame
One of the standout moments under Young’s leadership came during the historic 2021 season. The Blue Devils had an exceptional campaign, finishing with a remarkable 44-12 record. This outstanding performance resulted in Duke clinching their first-ever ACC Championship title and earning a No. 13 national seed in their inaugural NCAA appearance.
Throughout the season, the Blue Devils consistently held their position in the national polls, a testament to their consistent excellence. The team also garnered individual recognition, with four All-ACC and three All-Region selections. Notably, junior Deja Davis became Duke’s first All-American in program history, receiving All-America Second Team honors.
It marked a significant milestone as Duke cracked into the national polls for the first time in the program’s history. Marissa Young’s tenure as Duke softball’s head coach has been marked by consistent growth and achievement.
Under her guidance, the program has experienced unprecedented success, including conference championships, national rankings, and individual accolades. With each passing season, Young’s impact on the team becomes increasingly evident, and the future looks promising for Duke softball.
Marissa Young Biography |
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| Real Name | Marissa Veronica Young |
| Birth Date | 30 August 1981 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Santa Ana, California, United States |
| Profession | Softball Coach |
| College | – |
| Qualification | Graduate |
Physical Statistics |
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| Height | in feet inches – 5’ 6” – in Centimeters – 168 cm |
| Weight | in Kilograms – 58 kg – in Pounds – 127 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
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Family |
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| Father | – |
| Mother | – |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | – |
Relationship Status |
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| Marital Status | Married |
| Affair | No |
| Is she a Lesbian? | No |
| Husband | James Lamar |
| Children | Four (Braylon, Layla, Jolyna and Kayden) |
Personal Life
The Duke head coach Marissa Youngis married the head coach, James Lamar. Her husband James is the founder of a local softball training program Lady Dukes Softball in Durham, NC. The couple is blessed with three children from this marriage Layla, Jolyna, and Kayden. However, there is no information available when they met for the first time.
Marissa Young Contract/Net Worth
Since taking the helm of Duke University’s softball program in 2015, Marissa Young has made an impressive impact. Young’s coaching career at Duke University has been defined by exceptional achievements and a commitment to success. Duke management extended her contract till the 2026 season in 2021. However, exact details about numbers or salary aren’t available just yet.
Trivia
- Young spent the two years prior across the street in North Carolina, where her main duties were instructing the pitchers and catchers. After that, she was chosen to establish the Duke softball program.
- Outside of softball, Young has diverse interests and hobbies that she enjoys pursuing during her free time, such as hiking, painting, or playing musical instruments.
- Young places a strong emphasis on creating a positive team culture, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where players feel valued and motivated.
- Young is known for her dedication to player development, focusing not only on their athletic abilities but also on their personal growth and academic success.