Fresno State Athletics
May-Johnson introduced as head coach
7/6/2021 4:37:00 PM | Softball
FRESNO, Calif. – The storied Fresno State softball program turned the page to its next exciting chapter with the introduction of Stacy May-Johnson as the program's fifth head coach at a press conference on Tuesday.
May-Johnson, who comes to the San Joaquin Valley after two seasons at Utah Valley University, has been building for a dream opportunity like this her entire career, which has included incredible success as both a player and coach.
During her first official day at Fresno State, May-Johnson posted a few videos on social media leading up to the press conference and then answered questions from the media. Following the media event, she also met with Bulldog Softball supporters before heading to Margie Wright Diamond.
May-Johnson has been focused on recruiting, solidifying the Bulldogs' roster, and building her coaching staff since accepting the job late last week.
The Fresno State softball program, which won the 1998 national championship and has made 34 NCAA Tournament appearances, is entering its 45th season in 2022 – as the Fresno State Athletics Department begins its centennial year.
Additionally, Fresno State will also recognize the 50th anniversary of Title IX this year, including the launch of The Bulldog Foundation's 50 for 50 campaign, which aims to secure 50 endowments in support of female student-athletes.
Quotes:Â
Head Coach Stacy May-Johnson
"It's not just about wins and losses. Yes, wins and losses do matter. We will win. This is about developing young women. They will walk out of these doors as graduates that are prepared for the world in front of them. I can tell you that you will see a team play harder than you've ever seen anyone play before."
"This place is amazing. When you go back and look at the history of this program, you have a national championship, Margie Wright, the things that have happened here are incredible. I am standing on the shoulders of giants. That's what I'm doing. I'm here to build upon what has already been built. I am so excited about it. Our student-athletes will honor the program behind them, but they will also blaze their own trail."
"I see a lot of potential here. First, to win the Mountain West. Second, to make it to a Regional. Third, to make it through that Regional. Once you start doing that, then you can make it to a World Series. I see that potential in this program. I wouldn't be standing here today if I didn't believe that. The history of this program creates a brand that people get excited about. We have the facilities, the support and the staff. Everything is in place to have success here. That was the big draw for me to come here."
"This is a dream. I grew up in Reno so I know Fresno State softball. You can't grow up in Reno without knowing about Fresno State softball. I knew about it from a very young age. So did I think I would have ever had this job? I don't know, all I know is that it's a dream to stand here today. There's been a lot of years of hard work and effort that went into this."Â Â
Athletic Director Terry Tumey:Â
"Stacy May-Johnson is an amazing coach, but more importantly she is an amazing person. Everywhere that she's been, she's been a winner and I don't think that's happenstance. I think that happens because of the person that she is, her integrity, how they are built and the discipline that they run their programs with. It's a product of all those great foundational pieces that will come into play for her program and what she will do to have our student-athletes not only be successful on the field of play but also in the field of life. Which is what we are all about here at Fresno State as we think about the student-athlete experience."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.Â
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