Cradle of Coaches

Dona Layman

  • Position Women’s Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
  • Custom1 2015
  • Custom2 Layman was an exceptional three-sport athlete at Miami University during the early years of women’s intercollegiate athletics. From 1973 to 1977, she was a four-year standout in women’s basketball and softball and competed for three seasons in volleyball. Following her undergraduate career, Layman stayed involved with Miami Athletics as a graduate assistant, helping coach the volleyball, women’s basketball, and softball teams. She went on to have a decorated high school coaching career at Valley View High School, where she served as head softball coach for 35 years and recorded more than 400 wins. She also held head coaching roles in basketball and volleyball. In 1986, Layman played a key role in founding the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association. Her legacy has been honored through multiple hall of fame inductions, including Miami University, Valley View High School, Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association, Western Brown High School, and Brown County Athletics halls of fame.

Biography