Pyron Named MSU?s First Head Softball Coach

The Murray State Athletics Department is one step closer to the start of the softball program, as Athletics Director Jay Pyron.

“I'm pleased that Jay has accepted our offer to become Murray State's first head softball coach,” said Ward. “He brings a good combination of experience and enthusiasm that will get us off on the right foot as we begin the program.”

“I am very grateful to Mr. Ward for the opportunity to build the softball program here at Murray State,” Pyron said. “The pride in Racer athletics was very apparent from the moment I stepped on campus.”

Pyron comes to the Racers after spending the last season at Campbell University as an assistant coach. As a hitting coach, Pyron helped the Fighting Camels to their best offensive season in school history. Campbell recorded the second most wins in a season, had a school-record team bating average of .287, and broke 11 school records on the way to winning the 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and playing in the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional. Campbell went 1-2 at the regional, including the softball program's first NCAA Tournament win over North Carolina (7-6).

His duties with the Fighting Camels included being the recruiting coordinator, hitting and infield coach, travel coordinator, and teaching a physical education class at Campbell.

Prior to joining the Campbell staff, Pyron spent three seasons as an assistant coach at North Carolina State, where he helped build the Wolfpack program. The Keeling, Va., native coached the outfielders and hitters, oversaw the equipment and helped with recruiting.

Pyron's coaching helped create one of the most productive hitting and defensive seasons in NC State history in his opening season. In his second and the team's third season the Wolfpack claimed both the ACC regular-season and tournament championships, with 50 wins and a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association named the staff the 2006 Southeast Regional Staff of the Year. The Wolfpack followed up the 2006 campaign with a second trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 ranked as the No. 1 seed.

“I'm confident his vision and leadership will lay the foundation for a very successful future for Racer softball,” Ward added. “I look forward to working with Jay as we build the program.”

A strong recruiter as well, Pyron's 2007 incoming class at NC State was ranked No. 16 in the nation by rivals.com.

Pyron started his collegiate career at Barry University, where he coached the hitters and outfielders, and was the recruiting coordinator the nationally ranked program. In 2003 he led an American team in the Indoor Cup played in the Netherlands. Pyron also has experience coaching at the high school and club levels. From 1999 to 2003 he coached at Dan River High School in Ringgold, Va. and was the hitting instructor and coach in the Diamond Fever softball organization.

Pyron graduated from Averett University in Danville, Va., in 2002, earning his bachelors of science in physical education with a minor in coaching.

“I am excited about the opportunity to take our championship vision and make it a reality,” added Pyron. “I was very impressed by the Athletic Department's commitment to excellence in all areas of a student-athlete's life and I am ready to begin achieving our vision.”

The Racers will start NCAA competition in the 2009-10 season.

Murray State University Athletics

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