CLEVELAND, Miss. – Delta State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Mark Shirley as the new head coach for the Lady Statesmen Softball program.
 
"Through the interview process, Mark's vision for the program aligned well with our administrative view." Athletic Director Mike Kinnison said.  "I feel his experience at the college level will be an asset and he has an extensive recruiting network."
 
Coach Shirley is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a degree in Health Science, Professional Development and Advanced Patient care comes to Delta State after having several years' experience Coaching travel ball, high school, division II, and division I levels. Coach Shirley's spent the last 3 years at Tivy High School in Texas. Where he led the Softball program to the playoffs for only the second time in school history. Breaking dozens of school records and was nominated Texas Coach of the Year 2024.

Coach Shirley served almost two decades in the Army National Guard as Medical Specialist and Medical Team Leader. He was deployed several times and also served as a Medical Advisor in Africa.
 
"My family and I are blessed and excited for the opportunity to be a part of Delta State University and make Cleveland our new home." Head Coach Shirley mentioned. "I look forward to leading the Softball program and have been extremely impressed with the coaching staff and student athletes already preparing for our upcoming season. I can't wait to see what we can all contribute to making Delta State Softball a contender in the Gulf South Conference."

Throughout his time as a Medical Specialist for the U.S. Army National Guard, Shirley also served as an assistant coach on the division one level for the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. As a Cardinal, Shirley served as the pitching coach, assisting in all aspects of practice and daily activities, as directed by Head Coach Kimberly Dean. 

Before his time at Incarnate Word, Shirley was an assistant coach under Sue Woodford at Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio. As an Arrow, Shirley had the duties of calling pitches during games, organizing film production, field maintenance.
 
Before Serving as a Pitching Coach for both Ursuline College in Ohio and for University of Incarnate Word in Texas Coach Shirley played 4 years ISC Men's fast pitch as a Pitcher and Short Stop. "I am blessed to have the opportunity to play with and pitch against some of the best men's fast pitch athletes from all around the world. Many of those same guys are now coaching at the highest levels of collegiate softball."
 
When asked what Coach Shirley's favorite coaching experience has been over all these years Coach Shirley said "Hands down it has been working with / coaching Special Olympic Athletes! They give everything they have to their sport. Every bit of energy, every bit of strength, every bit of focus they can possibly muster, and you can see it their eyes how badly they want to compete. It is truly inspiring!"
 
Mark has made stops throughout his head coaching career on the high school level at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas, along with Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Coach Shirley comes to Delta State University with his wife Stephanie, sister Katy, as well as Jordie and Stella (Morkies).

What Former Colleagues say about Coach Shirley

" I could not be more excited for Mark to get back into the college game. Delta State made a great choice in this hire and Mark should have an immediate impact on this program. He will create an environment that all his athletes can learn in and establish a family like culture all athletes will be proud to be a part of."- Kimberly Dean –  Head Softball Coach , University of Incarnate Word