The Missouri Southern softball coaching staff, consisting of Hallie Blackney, Lexi Kinnaird, and Caitlyn Wells, received the prestigious 2026 ATEC/NFCA Division II Central Region Coaching Staff of the Year award. Under their leadership, the team has achieved extraordinary success this season, winning the MIAA Regular-Season and Tournament Championships, and advancing to the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series for the first time since 1992. This season also saw the Lions set a new program record for wins at 54, surpassing the previous record of 52. Their impressive performance earned numerous postseason accolades, further solidifying their reputation in college softball.

By the Numbers
  • The Lions' record stands at 54-8, setting a new program high for wins in a season.
  • Missouri Southern achieved a 20-4 conference record, their best since 2023.
State of Play
  • MSSU is currently ranked as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series.
  • The coaching staff has previously earned the 2026 MIAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
What's Next

The Missouri Southern Lions are set to compete in the NCAA Division II National Championship, with the coaching staff also in contention for the NFCA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year award, to be announced on June 15.

Bottom Line

The recognition of the Missouri Southern softball coaching staff highlights their significant contributions to a record-setting season, positioning them as a formidable force in college softball and exemplifying the impact of effective leadership.