Bolivar, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Director of Athletics Mike Pitts has announced the hiring of Chad Kerr as the new Head Coach of the Softball program.
 
"I'm very happy to announce that we have hired Chad Kerr to be our head softball coach," said Pitts. "He brings some good experience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine concern for student-athletes into the Bearcat Family. Out of all of his documents he gave us when he interviewed, I was most impressed with his statement of faith. I have no doubt that under Coach Kerr's leadership, our softball team will have great opportunities to compete with excellence on the field, continue their great work in the classroom, and (most importantly) grow closer to Jesus Christ."
 
"I am beyond excited to be chosen as the new Head Softball Coach at SBU," coach Kerr commented. "The chance to be back at the NCAA D2 level, in a Christian setting, and much closer to our 3 grown kids was just too good to pass up. Special thanks to AD Mike Pitts and all involved in the process for the blessing with this opportunity."

Coach Kerr comes to SBU with 8 years of experience at the head coach spot. Most recently, Kerr coached at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, joining the team prior to the 2019-20 school year. The team record sat at 10-16 before the remainder of the season was canceled due to COVID-19. Before coaching at OPSU, Kerr coached against the Bearcats, leading the Lincoln Blue Tigers from 2016-18. While at Lincoln, Kerr helped the team to a 40-point improvement in team batting average, generated 60 more runs batted in, produced nine All-Conference players and 17 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Academic All-Americans. For the 2015 season, Kerr coached at Alderson Broaddus University, leading them to their first winning season in five years. His head coaching journey began at Central Christian College, leading the team from 2011-14. While there, Kerr coached 17 All-Conference players. He also served as the CCC Director of Athletics from 2012-14. 

Kerr's playing career took place at Truman State University, playing from 1987-91. As a member of the baseball program, Kerr made the All-Conference team and had a record-setting career. 

"I coached against SBU during our time in the MIAA and always admired the program/university and feel there is so much potential," said Kerr. "At SBU I can use my full recruiting contacts and capabilities nationwide and especially in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas which isn't too far away. I'm huge on Academics and take very seriously mentoring the young ladies I'm blessed to coach on the field but more importantly off the field as they grow as women and Christians while transitioning into their chosen careers. I will build this program the right way into a yearly contender in the GLVC. We will win the right way and also lose the right way and represent SBU perfectly on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I can't wait to meet the team and get to work building this program into one everyone is proud of and envies."