Gary Cordell Named Head Softball Coach as ASU Mid-South Kicks Off Inaugural Season

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – The Greyhounds are breaking new ground as ASU Mid-South launches its first-ever softball season, and the college is proud to announce Gary Cordell as the program's inaugural head coach.

Cordell brings decades of experience in coaching and player development, along with a deep connection to the Mid-South community. His leadership marks a historic moment for Greyhound Athletics as the college expands opportunities for local student-athletes and fans.

"I've always believed that coaching is about more than wins. It's about helping student-athletes grow as competitors and as people," Cordell said. "We're laying the foundation for a program built on hard work, respect and pride in representing ASU Mid-South."

Cordell was named head softball coach in May 2024. He joins ASU Mid-South from West Memphis Christian School, where he spent the past four seasons as head baseball coach and supervisor in student affairs. Under his leadership, the Knights advanced to the state playoffs in two of the last three seasons.

"Coach Cordell brings a wealth of experience and an unmatched passion for helping young athletes succeed," said ASU Mid-South Athletic Director Jeremy Reece. "Launching our first softball season is a huge moment for our college and our community, and there's no one better to build this program from the ground up."

Before his tenure at West Memphis Christian, Cordell served as head baseball coach at the Academies of West Memphis for three seasons. He revitalized a program that had gone 11 years without a winning season and ended an eight-year playoff drought in his second year. Among his former players is Curtis Washington Jr., now playing in the Seattle Mariners organization for the Modesto Nuts.

Cordell's earlier experience includes two years as head baseball coach at West Memphis Christian, where his teams qualified for the state playoffs both seasons. He also spent 14 years coaching 18U summer baseball for the West Memphis- and Marion-based Eagles, leading them to a Babe Ruth state championship in 2001 and helping send more than 50 athletes to college programs.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Cordell spent 23 years playing fast-pitch softball during his 48-year coaching career. He was named to Arkansas' All-State Fast-Pitch Team three times and signed with the Kansas City Royals organization in 1971, where he played for two and a half years before enrolling at Christian Brothers College, now Christian Brothers University, to continue his education.

Cordell lives in Proctor, Arkansas, and has two children and six grandchildren.

For more information about the ASU Mid-South softball season and updates, visit asumidsouthsports.com.