DAVIS, Calif. – Kathy DeYoung, a Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Famer who led three different UC Davis programs during a coaching career that spanned four decades, passed away on Monday, May 16, after a battle with cancer at the age of 68.

DeYoung, who was at the helm of the most successful run in Aggie softball history from 1979 to 2004, also guided the volleyball team from 1978-87 and was the inaugural coach of the women's golf program from 2005-08.

"When you think about excellence at UC Davis, it is hard to find a more perfect example than Kathy DeYoung," UC Davis Director of Athletics, Rocko DeLuca said. "Her positive impacts on our softball, volleyball, and women's golf programs are still very much felt to this day, and her winning attitude was absorbed by so many of our (now) student-athlete alumnae. We will miss seeing her around campus, at the golf course, and at special events. Her legacy is strong and will forever be felt in our athletics department."

The versatile DeYoung first brought national prominence to UC Davis at the helm of the Aggie women's volleyball program. In her 10-year career with UC Davis volleyball, she led the Aggies to three fifth-place NCAA finishes, a pair of berths in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) national semifinals, and an overall record of 168-97.

"Kathy was a leader every step of the way from the time Title IX was passed in the early 70s to continuing to advocate and provide opportunities for girls and women in sports until she retired in 2008," said retired UC Davis coach and administrator, Pam Gill-Fisher. "Her professionalism and determination to do the right thing was admired by all."

While leading the volleyball program, DeYoung enjoyed her greatest coaching success on the softball diamond, where she finished her fantastic softball career with an overall record of 777-402-2. That win total was 11th all-time for Division II and tied for 34th among all divisions upon her retirement from the program.

"While there were few women coaching in women's sports in the early 70s and 80s, Kathy was a mentor and role model to many women who aspired to coach or go into leadership positions," Gill-Fisher added. "We were fortunate to have Kathy on our campus for her leadership, mentorship, dedication, determination, and friendship. She will be missed by all of those that had the opportunity to know her, learn from her, and appreciate her."

DeYoung, who was inducted into the Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, led UC Davis softball to 13 postseason berths, eight conference championships, four third-place finishes at the NCAA Championships, and the historical national title in 2003. Among her many coaching honors were the 2003 National Coaching Staff of the Year award and a trio of regional Coach of the Year recognitions. Five times she earned conference Coach of the Year honors as well.

"I will always remember how passionate Kathy was about UC Davis Softball and how invested she was in the success of her student-athletes," said Heather Hunter '96, who played for Coach DeYoung. "She wanted us to excel both on the field and in the classroom."

After 26 seasons with Aggie softball, the certified United States Golf Teaching Federation professional who taught golf on campus and achieved success locally as a player took the reins of the upstart women's golf program that began in 2005.

"I am grateful for Kathy recruiting and providing me the opportunity to play and coach softball at UC Davis," Hunter added. "She was a loyal friend who always celebrated your life successes. We considered her to be a part of our family and we will miss her dearly."

Like every other sport she touched on campus, the golf team enjoyed instant success. With an all-freshman squad in 2005-06, UC Davis captured the Div. I Independents Championship by 30 strokes along with two other tournaments. They added another tournament title the next season and captured the University of San Francisco Invitational as well.

Individual honors for both DeYoung and her players were prevalent. She was named the Independents Coach of the Year and coached two Independents Players of the Year in Bryana Gregory - as well as the 2007 Independents Newcomer of the Year, Sydney Roughton.

Please visit Kathy's Caring Bridge site (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathydeyoung) for additional details and information about a celebration this fall.