College Softball News

Rutgers Softball Names Jay Miller Associate Head Coach

Rutgers Softball

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Aug. 9, 2016) – Head Coach Jay Nelson has announced the addition of Jay Miller as associate head coach of the Rutgers softball program.

Miller brings a plethora of softball knowledge and success “To the Banks” with a resumé that boasts three stints and 26 seasons as a Division I head softball coach. During his head coaching career, Miller racked up over 1000 career wins, two Women’s College World Series appearances, 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and three conference championships.

“I am really excited to be working with such a knowledgeable softball man that has exemplified class and leadership where ever he coached,” said Nelson. “If history tells us anything he will help Rutgers reach new heights with our softball program. His record speaks for itself – NFCA Hall of Famer, former Team USA Coach that brought home numerous Gold Medals. With over 1000 wins under his leadership he is a proven recruiter, teacher and coach. I am glad he decided to join us and am happy to welcome Jay Miller to our staff.”

Most recently, Miller served as the softball pitching coach at the University of Louisville from 2014-16, aiding the Cardinals in four NCAA regional appearances as well as an AAC Championship title in 2014. This past season the Louisville pitching staff posted a 2.30 ERA to rank 26th in the nation.

Prior to Louisville, Miller registered nine seasons at the helm of the Mississippi State softball program from 2002-2011, guiding the Bulldogs to six regional appearances highlighted as the Regional Finalist at Texas in 2005. Highlighting his tenure at Mississippi State, Miller became the 13th Division I softball head coach to earn his 1000th career victory.

The most decorated section of his resumé comes during his time at the helm of the University of Missouri softball program from 1987-2002. In 15 seasons with the Tigers, Miller compiled a record of 556-309 and guided the program to two WCWS (1991 and 1994) and a total of five NCAA regionals. In 1997, Miller was named Big 12 Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to the Big 12 Conference title. Prior to Missouri’s entrance into the Big 12, Miller earned back-to-back Big Eight Coach of the Year honors in 1991 and 1992.

Miller’s first role as a head coach came at Oklahoma City University, where he led the program to Sooner Conference Champions in 1986 and 1987. During his time, the Stars secured two top-five finishes in the nation (2nd in 1986, 4th in 1987), earning District Coach of the Year following both campaigns.

A member of the USA Softball National team staff since 1997, Miller served as head coach of the team from 2009-10. The squad earned five gold medals under his guidance, including the 2010 World Championship, 2009 and 2010 World Cup of Softball, Japan Cup and China Cup. Miller earned USOC National Coach of the Year accolades during both seasons at the helm.

Miller is a leading authority on the sport and has written more than 40 articles for professional publications. He has authored a chapter on offensive strategy for The Softball Coaching Bible, published by Human Kinetics Press, and developed five softball skills tapes. Miller is also considered one of the top softball clinicians in the world, having worked as a lead instructor for the National Fastpitch Coaches College, and other clinics in the United States, Netherlands Antilles, Italy, Czech Republic, Holland, France and Malaysia.

Miller began his educational career at the University of Grenoble in Grenoble, France, completing the international studies program. The native of Aurora, Illinois then went on to earn a bachelor of science in psychology and sociology at Illinois State in 1978 before obtaining a master’s in education, with emphasis in counseling and personnel services, from Purdue University in 1979. Throughout high school and college, Miller played in major level men’s fastpitch leagues.

Miller and wife Lacy Lee Baker have one daughter, Nicole.

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