Lady Dukes head coach James Lamar (left) pictured with wife Marissa Young, Duke University head coach.
Very disturbing news in the world of softball com James Lamarthe head of the Lady Dukes organization is on life support after undergoing emergency heart surgery last night.
Coach Lamar’s wife, Marissa Young– the Duke University head coach – issued a statement via Twitter this morning underscoring the seriousness of the situation:
I’m trying not to ask why or how this would happen to someone who gives and cares so much for others! James had emergency heart surgery last night and is on life support fighting for his life! We know he is in God’s hands and we pray for recovery! @ladydukes16u @DukesNat_14u pic.twitter.com/l0ol26j4yZ
— Marissa Young (@DukeCoachYoung) May 31, 2023
James and Marissa also have a pretty athletic family of four…Braylon, Layla, Jolyna i kayden–the oldest, Braylon is a soccer player at the Univ. of Miami and Jolyna and Kyden are the top-ranked fastball players in their respective classes (2024 and 2025, respectively, and both ranked in the Top 5 of the Extra Elite 100).
Coach Lamar told Extra Inning Softball in April that he had been hospitalized with pneumonia, but appeared to be on the mend and back on the field.
A source close to the family said in an hour:
“We are all praying for our brother and his family. Such a great man we need prayers for James and his family. This is bigger than softball as he has become a part of our family for the last three years and right now he and his family need the softball community to join hands in prayer.”
We will stay on top of the situation and provide updates as they become available.
— Brent EadsSoftball extra entry
