By: Asha Michener, Director of Digital Media – Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, N.Y. – Head coach Megan Bryant and the Stony Brook softball program announced the hiring of Missy Bruggeman as an assistant coach on Friday. Bruggeman comes to Stony Brook after previously serving as the head coach at Southwest Minnesota State (NCAA Division II) for the past two years.
“Missy Bruggeman is an excellent teacher and coach with a terrific background in this game,” Bryant explained. “She is highly motivated and knows what it takes to be successful. Missy is going to bring out the best in our student-athletes and I look forward to working with her.”
In addition to serving as the team’s hitting and outfield coach, Bruggeman will assist with recruiting, camps and clinics, and community service. Bruggeman will also serve as the team’s liaison to speed, strength and conditioning.
Named the ninth head coach in Southwest Minnesota State history in 2011, Bruggeman led the Mustangs to 40 wins over two seasons and coached three All-Conference selections, two All-Region honorees, two Academic All-District selections and one first-team Academic All-American.
Prior to SMSU, Bruggeman served as an assistant coach for two years at her alma mater, the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. As an assistant with the Tommies, the program qualified for two NCAA Tournaments and posted an 82-14 overall record.
As a student-athlete at St. Thomas, Bruggeman hit .404 in her four-year career and helped the team to a 172-19 record, four conference titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances. As a senior in 2009, Bruggeman was named an NCAA Division III first-team All-American while batting .514 and leading the team in hits (72) and stolen bases (24).
A native of Greenbush, Minn., Bruggeman earned her bachelor’s degree in health education and physical education from St. Thomas in 2009. She earned her master’s in education from St. Thomas in 2011.
