MIAMI — FIU softball head coach Mike Larabee, who has been in an ongoing cancer battle over the last two seasons, formally announced his retirement on Friday evening. 
 
Larabee spent a total of five seasons at the helm of the Panther softball program, capped by a historic 34-win 2026 campaign, leading a complete turnaround after inheriting a program that won just 14 games in 2021 – the season prior to his hiring. 
 
Under Larabee's guidance, FIU won its most games since 2017 this past season, both in conference play (16) and overall, and racked up 63 combined victories over the past two seasons. 
 
In January of 2025, Larabee first announced that he had been diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a rare, chronic blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. He temporarily stepped away from leading the team last season, but returned to his usual post for most of 2026.
 
"First, I would like to thank Director of Athletics Scott Carr and Sport Administrator Julie Berg for their tremendous support over the past five years," Larabee said. 
 
"I truly could not have asked for a better relationship with our administration. I also want to thank Associate Head Coach Mike Meyers and Assistant Coach Danielle Cassara for their time, dedication and commitment to helping build our program into one that earned respect and recognition.
 
Additionally, I want to recognize our student-athletes for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the program throughout my time at FIU. Their passion and perseverance helped lay the foundation for the success we achieved together.
 
When you leave a program, the goal is always to leave it better than you found it, and I'm proud that our staff was able to accomplish that together.
 
I'm incredibly excited about the future of FIU Softball and the continued success that lies ahead for the program."
In addition to the team successes under Larabee, the Panthers saw four individuals recognized with All-CUSA honors in 2026, the most for the program in FIU's CUSA era (since 2014). 
 
"I want to thank Mike for his leadership, service and guidance in overseeing the turnaround of our softball program," said Carr. "Mike has displayed incredible courage and resilience over the past two years during his battle with cancer, and on behalf of the entire department we want to wish Mike and his family all the best in beating cancer.
 
"Mike is not only an outstanding coach, but an even better person, and the impact he has made on our student-athletes and the culture of the program will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for the foundation he helped build and look forward to continuing to build on those successes in the years ahead."
 
For his career, Larabee amassed 537 career wins over his 20 seasons as an NCAA Head Coach, enjoying stints at Wright State, Arkansas, Central Washington (D-II) and FIU. While at FIU, Larabee had 127 wins in five seasons and had eight players earn All-Conference status.
 
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.