Rob Wade Named Head Softball Coach

OLATHE, Kan. - Director of Athletics Todd Garrett has announced Rob Wade as the next head coach of MNU Softball. Wade was named interim head coach in January and has led the Pioneers to a 27-19 record this season.

"It is my pleasure to announce the promotion of Rob Wade to Head Women's Softball Coach at MNU," said Garrett. "Coach Wade's leadership of the softball program during this time of transition has been invaluable. His evident care and concern for this group of young women has been inspiring and encouraging as we look to stabilize the program now and in the days ahead. His softball knowledge, coaching experience at the intercollegiate level, and his recognizable connections across all levels of high school, NCAA, and the NAIA will be important factors in the future success of the program. His commitment to placing Christ first in his leadership of young women during their time as Pioneers aligns with who MNU aspires to be. I look forward to coach Wade's leadership of the Pioneer Softball program and his contribution to the athletic department and the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University."

In 20 years of coaching, Wade has an overall record of 832-480. Coach Wade was most recently the head softball coach at Avila University where he recruited and signed arguably the most successful class in the history of the program. Previously he was the head softball coach at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas as well as head coach and founder of the Kansas City Zephyrs Gold Junior club softball team.

"I would first like to thank God for the opportunity he has afforded me to be a mentor and leader of such a talented group of young women," said Wade. "It is my hope to provide strong leadership and success as these student athletes grow into phenomenal young women and leaders as they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I am grateful to athletic director Todd Garrett and President Spittal for the opportunity to work at such a fine University that cultivates strong and successful young Christian athletes and students."

MNU begins the conference tournament in St. Joseph, Missouri on Thursday.