The University of Central Arkansas has selected one of the most successful coaches in Mississpppi, Delta State's David Kuhn, to head its softball program.
Kuhn, 39, comes to UCA after a 10-year stint at Delta State University. Kuhn's career record with the Lady Statesmen was 368-222. He was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and led the Lady Statesmen to the NCAA South Regional in 2002 when they posted a 42-17 overall record.
"The things that impressed the committee were his experience and the type of program he runs," said Brad Teague, UCA's athletic director who worked with Kuhn at Delta State before he accepted the UCA position. "Those were both very attractive. His teams have an extremely high graduation rate. He recruits good, quality student-athletes that are winners on the field and in the classroom."
"Our committee of campus staff, student-athletes and administrators did an outstanding job with this coaching search. They conducted a very high-quality search and David Kuhn came out as the top choice.
Natalie Shock, who began the Bears' softball program in 1996, took over the program as interim coach in December after former coach Steve Kissel resigned.
"I've always thought highly of the University of Central Arkansas,' said Kuhn, a Greenville, Miss., native. "It's an institution with great academics and great athletics.
"Brad and Natalie being there was a big draw for me. I worked with Brad before and he is a great athletic administrator. And the chance to work with coach Shock was big. I always had a lot of respect for the way she ran the program when she was in charge. I can't wait to get started."
Kuhn, the winningest coach in the history of DSU softball, earned his bachelor's degree in social science education from Delta State in 1994 and his master's in education in 1998.
The Bears (6-43, 4-25) recorded their second straight 40-loss season this year , their second straight.
"We expect in the next two to three years to be competing for the conference championship,' said Teague. "Certainly by the spring of 2011, when were are eligible, we expect to be in the conference tournament and playing for a title."
Kuhn said that is his plan as well.
"I think all the tools are there to have a successful softball program,' Kuhn said. "I think the sky is the limit at UCA. There is a great adminstrative staff, a great support staff. I'm excited about what we can do there."
