COMMERCE – Texas A&M University-Commerce Director of Athletics Tim McMurray has announced a multiyear contract for Head Softball Coach Richie Bruister, effective immediately. Christina May has also been promoted to Associate Head Coach for the softball program.
 
"Richie Bruister exemplifies 'Best in Class', and I am thrilled that he, Kim, Cole, Anna Claire, and Logan will continue to be a part of our Lions family," McMurray noted.  "With unprecedented on-field success, a high level of classroom achievement, and a commitment to nurturing the total student-athlete experience, we are fortunate to sustain this type of leadership in our program."
 
Bruister has been the head softball coach at A&M-Commerce since July 2013, with the Lions beginning competition in the spring of 2015. The Lions established themselves as the most successful startup program in the nation, advancing to the 2016 NCAA Division II South Central Regional.   A&M-Commerce became the first softball program to ever advance to the national tournament in its second year of competition.
 
"When Tim McMurray was hired as our athletics director, he talked about wanting to make A&M-Commerce athletics not only the best in the Lone Star Conference, but the best in all of Division II," Bruister said. "In his short time here, he has certainly delivered.  The University and Commerce community have been amazing for my family and me as a professional. Our unprecedented success for a startup program could not have come without great leadership and the mindset of being the best. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to everyone who has been involved in making softball history.
 
In Bruister's two seasons in Commerce, the Lions have compiled a 68-43 record with seven All-Lone Star Conference players, three LSC Gold Glove winners, two LSC All-Academic honorees, two CoSIDA Academic All-District winners and the program's first-ever CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree. He earned his 400th career collegiate coaching victory in 2016 and stands at 412 wins as the Lions prepare for the 2017 spring season.
 
"I have had the privilege of coaching wonderful student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom and on the field," added Bruister.  "Without their hard work and dedication to being the best this would not have been possible.
 
"Success does not come easily and certainly not alone. My job is so much easier because of the extraordinary effort my staff puts in, day in and day out. I'd like to thank coach May, Bart, Caison, and Riddle for all they have done and the positive impact they have had on our program. My family and I thank Dr. Keck, Tim, and (Senior Associate Athletics Director) Judy Sackfield for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to many, many more great years with the A&M-Commerce Lion family," Bruister added.
 
May has been assistant coach for A&M-Commerce since the program's inception.  She coaches hitting, infield, and outfield for the Lions. At the plate, the Lions finished second in the LSC in batting average, on base percentage, and runs scored in 2016 and were the conference leaders in stolen bases.
 
"I am extremely excited to announce the promotion of Christina May to Associate Head Coach.  This well-deserved promotion is one of the biggest honors an assistant coach can receive, and it is done without hesitation," Bruister said. "Our success has been in large part because of what Coach May has meant for our program. Her passion and care for our student-athletes and our sport is truly in a league of their own. Coach May is an amazing person, outstanding coach, and wonderful mom. I am very fortunate to have someone so trustworthy as our associate head coach and glad she and her family are part of our Lion Family." 
 
Tickets for the 2017 Lion Softball season will go on sale Monday, December 12.   Tickets can be purchased online at lionathletics.com or by calling (903) 468-8756.