June 16, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga.--Kennesaw State associate head softball coach Bill Gray will be leaving the Owls program to take over as head coach at Missouri Southern State University.

"My time at KSU has been one I've thoroughly enjoyed and I have coached some tremendous athletes and had the privilege to work with some amazing coaches," said Coach Gray. "I'm thankful that I get to use these experiences as a head coach again. I want to be able to make the Southern softball program what I know it can be."

"I am very happy for Coach Gray," said KSU head coach Scott Whitlock. "When he joined me here back in the fall of 2002, Coach Gray and I both knew that this day would come. We were both aware that he wanted to, one day, become a head coach again and that he and his family hoped one day to return to their home in the midwest. He has now accomplished both goals."

Coach Gray has been a head coach before, posting a 195-131 record at Francis Marion before joining the KSU staff.

"I want to thank Coach Whitlock and Dr. Dave Waples as well as all the student-athletes that I have coached," said Coach Gray. I am very proud and honored I had the opportunity to take part in such a storied program and help in their transition to Division I."

The Owls have had tremendous success with Coach Gray standing alongside Coach Whitlock. In 2005, the Owls finished as Division II National Runner Up. Two seasons later, the Owls won their first Atlantic Sun Conference Regular Season championship in KSU's second season as a member of Division I.

"I will now begin the difficult task of finding someone to fill the vacancy created by his departure," Coach Whitlock said. "I will do my best to find the most qualified person possible to take over his job, but please know that no one will ever be able to take his place"