THOMASVILLE — First it was Thomas Macera. Then Vinny Dima. Followed by Tania Black.

Who’s next?

For the third time since Thomas Macera resigned following its NAIA title season of 2004, Thomas University is searching for a new softball coach.

“It’s one of those things and it comes with the territory and we’ll deal with it,” TU baseball coach and athletic director Mike Lee said. “Hopefully, we’ll get another good one and continue do the good things.”

Black resigned after leading the Night Hawks to a 13-22 record this past year. The year before, Black’s Night Hawks finished 25-20.

“She did a good job of sustaining the program and it wasn’t always easy,” Lee said. “She did a good job with it. We certainly appreciate it and wish her luck.”

Black, who was a player on the Night Hawks’ national championship squad, admitted it was a tough decision to leave a place she’s called home for the past 5 1/2 years.

“There’s a lot of contributing factors that played into it,” said Black, who will return home to her native British Columbia. “I cherish the time I spent in Thomasville and being involved with TU softball and TU. It’s been an amazing life experience being here. I think, in my heart, it’s time to return to Canada.

“It’s not just returning to a family that’s my family in Canada, but it’s leaving my family I made here. It’s very hard. It’s very emotional. I’ve got to look out for the betterment of my future, professionally and personally. I think I made the right decision.”

Black was a standout performer during her two years playing for TU. She batted .496 with 16 home runs and 98 RBIs. Black is hopeful the experience she attained while at TU will help her back home — whether it’s on or off the softball field.

“Right now, I think, I’m going to focus on using my degree and trying to get into social services or something like that,” Black noted. “Not saying it’s a worst-case scenario, but say I get into a social services job with non-profit or the government or somebody. If I’ve got enough free time, I’m definitely going to be volunteering my time to help out any team that needs some extra help, kind of give back to what was available for me growing up, up there.”

As for TU, Lee stressed the need in finding Black’s replacement as quickly as possible.

“It’s not something we can drag out,” Lee pointed out. “We want to go ahead and get it done. I posted the job Monday online. Since then, I think I have between 15 and 20 applicants. I’ll start next Monday wading through all the paperwork and seeing what we’ve got and what we don’t and hopefully, get somebody we can get in pretty quick.”