MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Championship-winning Mulerider Softball Coach Jason Anderson announces his resignation from Southern Arkansas University and will become the next Head Coach at Division I Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
"On behalf of Southern Arkansas University, I want to thank Coach Jason Anderson for his tremendous contributions to our softball program and our university," stated SAU Director of Athletics Steve Browning. "During his time in Magnolia, Jason elevated Mulerider Softball into one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II, leading our student-athletes to success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. His commitment to excellence helped produce conference championships, regional championships, national recognition, and countless memorable moments for our fans and alumni. We are grateful for everything Jason and his family have meant to SAU and wish them nothing but success and happiness in their next chapter."
Under Coach Anderson's leadership, Mulerider Softball grew into one of the most successful and respected programs in both the Great American Conference and NCAA Division II. Throughout his 12 seasons guiding the Blue and Gold, Anderson built a culture of excellence that translated into sustained success on the field, as Southern Arkansas captured five GAC Regular Season Championships and four GAC Tournament Championships while becoming a consistent contender on the national stage.
The Muleriders earned 11 NCAA Division II Regional Tournament berths during Anderson's tenure, advancing to three Super Regionals and making two memorable appearances at the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series. His teams were regularly ranked among the nation's best, establishing Southern Arkansas as a perennial powerhouse and a program known for competing for championships year after year.
Along with his two Great American Conference Coach of the Year plaudits, Anderson has also been named the Hero Sports DII National Coach of the Year and NFCA Central Region Coach of the Year in 2016, while also leading the NFCA Central Region Coaching Staff of the Year for both 2016 and 2018.
On the field, Anderson has helped produce numerous standout athletes for Mulerider Softball and Mulerider Athletics, as the 12-year head coach accounted for 77 All-GAC honorees, four GAC Tournament MVPs, four GAC Newcomers of the Year, two GAC Players of the Year, four GAC Pitchers of the Year, three GAC Female Athletes of the Year, three members of the GAC All-Decade Team (2010s), 20 NFCA All-Central Region honorees, 31 D2CCA All-Central Region honorees, one Hero Sports All-American, seven NFCA All-Americans, 13 D2CCA All-Americans, and one NFCA and D2CCA National Pitcher of the Year. With Anderson as the Mulerider Softball head coach, the program claimed eight Dr. Margaret Downing Female Athlete of the Year awards at the annual Mulespy Awards, while having also produced two SAU Sports Hall of Famers in Brooke Goad and Maddie (Dow) Ray.
"It has been an honor to lead the softball program at Southern Arkansas University," remarked Coach Jason Anderson. "I am grateful to every player, coach, administrator, and supporter who has helped make our success possible and made this journey so rewarding. Forever a Mulerider!"
Anderson concludes his remarkable career at Southern Arkansas with a 489-160 record, making him the winningest coach in program history. Across his collegiate coaching career, he amassed an outstanding 796-233 overall record, leaving behind a legacy defined by championship success, national prominence, and a lasting impact on Mulerider Softball.
"Mulerider Softball is one of the premier programs in Division II athletics, and we are committed to finding a leader who will build upon that tradition of excellence," exclaimed Browning. "A national search for our next head coach has already begun, and we are confident that the future of this program remains very bright."
