Bruister Resigns as Head Softball Coach

NACOGDOCHES, Texas-Richie Bruister has resigned as head coach of the Stephen F. Austin softball program. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

“I want to thank Richie for his time this year at SFA and I wish him well in his new venture.  I know that he will continue to be successful,” said SFA Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. “As we move forward with a coaching search, stability is critical at this point in time.  Our softball program has been consistently successful recently which has culminated in winning 30+ games each season since 2018.  Couple that success with our location, great campus, and recent affiliation with the University of Texas System, I am confident that we will have the ability to attract a high caliber coach to not only continue, but elevate our program.  The future continues to be bright for SFA, our athletics department and softball program.”

Bruister led the Lumberjacks to a 30-24 overall record last season. The ‘Jacks earned the No. 3 seed in the WAC Conference Tournament where SFA knocked out No. 1 Utah Tech before falling to No. 4 Seattle in the semifinals. Three Lumberjacks earned All-Conference honors and two were named to the All-Tournament team.
The SFA softball program since 1980 has accumulated 1,115 wins, 41 All-Conference first team selections, 28 All-Conference second team selections, eight All-Conference third team selections, and 50 All-Tournament team selections. SFA has won one conference regular season title (2010), two conference tournament titles (2008, 1990), and one Division II National Championship (1986). The ‘Jacks have an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 and three NISC appearances in 2018, 2019 and 2022. SFA has had 14 seasons of 30 or more wins, and 22 seasons of 25 or more wins.