Lyndonville, VT - After a six-year run where he resurrected the fortunes of Vermont State University Lyndon's softball program, Kevin Valentine retired as head coach at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year in order to relocate to Florida. Under his watch the Hornets enjoyed the most successful stretch since the program joined the North Atlantic Conference and rejoined the NCAA and Division III in 2008.
Valentine took the reigns of the Lyndon program in September of 2019. He inherited a program that had not qualified for post-season play since 2014 and only won five games over that five-year period. Valentine's first season came to a premature end after six games, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hornets then posted three conference wins in 2021, the program's first NAC wins since 2014.
The 2022 campaign marked a breakthrough season for the Lyndon program. The Hornets finished with 17 wins, the most for the program in the modern Division III era. Lyndon also finished 6-4 in NAC play, the team's first winning season in conference. Lyndon earned the fifth seed for the conference tournament, the program's first playoff appearance since 2014.
After being knocked out of the playoffs on the final day of the regular season in 2023 and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth again in 2024, Lyndon returned to the post-season in 2025, earning the sixth seed.
Valentine concluded his career with 44 total wins and 19 NAC victories, both program records in the modern era. He coached a total of 12 All-Conference players, including 2022 NAC Rookie of the Year Claudia Knapp (Howell, NJ). Knapp, who concluded her Hornet career with 99 hits, is the program's all-time home run leader with 15. Seairra Anderson (Somersworth, NH) finished her career with 105 hits, most in the modern D3 era. Victoria Valentine (East Burke, VT), Kevin Valentine's daughter, completed her career in 2024 with 184 strikeouts, second most in the modern era.
Valentine expressed his appreciation to several individuals who supported him and the program. "First off, I would like to thank Chris Gilmore for the opportunity to coach at Vermont State University Lyndon. It was a privilege to work alongside some great coaches and people who supported me in my time at the college. I would also like to thank Pete Everett, my right-hand man and assistant coach."
Valentine reminisced with pride about his tenure. "My time at Lyndon has come to an end but the memories are priceless and the program has been left better than when i took over. Special moments will always be Senior Days and Graduation Days as i watched my student athletes succeed in completing their respective degrees. I will miss the bonds made with so many great young ladies who will always hold a special place in my heart. On the softball field the proudest moment i recall is my first initial recruiting class going on to have a winning season (the most wins since Lyndon rejoined the NCAA) and securing a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. Beside my first year we battled for the playoffs every year till the end of the regular season and made the playoffs twice "
Most significantly, Valentine reflected on the relationships and experiences that he enjoyed with his players. "I am forever grateful for the athletes i coached who taught me more then they know and I will always be proud of the fact we built life long relationships. I coached for them . Some special moments were coaching both of my own daughters Samantha and Victoria together in college and having a phenomenal time together and having a great year on and off the field. I Consider myself lucky enough to call all my players family. From our Road trips to Myrtle Beach in vans to long bus rides to Maine and upstate New York we made bonds that will never be broken. Coaching Lyndon Softball was a privilege and I gave it my all. I cannot say my career is over as i will pursue other opportunities in Florida where i now reside but i will always be a Lyndon Hornet, and for that i eternally grateful."
VTSU Lyndon Athletic Director Chris Gilmore recognized the softball program's improvement under Valentine. "Kevin did a very nice job of coming in to the softball program and reestablishing it as a contender in the conference. He worked hard to bring in athletes that were eager and ready to compete at the Division III level. His presence on campus will be missed as we move into the next phase of softball at VTSU Lyndon."
Prior to taking over at Lyndon Valentine had been a fixture in Northeast Kingdom softball circles. He served as the assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach at Lyndon Institute, where he was on the staff as Vikings captured a Vermont State Championship in 2013. He was also very active at coaching all levels of club and travel softball up to and including the U-18 level. In addition to coaching softball, Valentine was also the defensive backs coach for the LI football team for six seasons, and helped the Vikings to a state runner up finish in 2013.
Professionally, Valentine retired from New York City Local Union #3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, where he served 22 years as a vested journeyman and foreman. He led a crew of 100 people who helped to renovate the New York City subway system following the 9/11 attacks.
VTSU Lyndon expects to name Valentine's successor as head softball coach in the near future.
