BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford University has named coach Tyra Perry as its 12th head softball coach, the school announced Wednesday afternoon.
"I am honored to lead Samford Softball into its next chapter," (said Coach Perry). Samford has a proud tradition of toughness and excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue to grow and reach new heights.
"Thank you to Martin, Michelle, and Erika for this incredible opportunity and for welcoming me into the Samford family. I am truly grateful for your belief in me and excited for what lies ahead."
"Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for your prayers and unwavering support throughout my softball journey. I wouldn't be here without you."
"I'm excited to get to work. Go Bulldogs!"
Perry is a veteran coach with 700+ career wins and 6 NCAA Tournament appearances during her time with Western Kentucky, Ball State, and Illinois.
During her tenure at the University of Illinois from 2015 to 2026, she achieved 300+ wins and led her teams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
"We could not be happier to welcome Tyra Perry as our new head softball coach," Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton said. "Tyra has all of the qualities we were looking for to lead our program. With 25 years of head coaching experience, she has proven herself as a leader and winner at all levels. I am extremely excited about the future of our softball program with Tyra at the helm."
She developed multiple NFCA All-Region and All-American athletes and won multiple conference championships in the Sun Belt and Mid-American conferences. In her coaching career, she has earned Coach of the Year honors three times.
The Bulldogs finished the past season with a record of 28-31, while going 14-7 in conference play. They earned the No.2 seed before falling to North Carolina Greensboro University in the championship game.
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