Youngstown State selects Brian Campbell as softball head coach

June 17, 2008

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Brian Campbell, the winningest softball coach in Tiffin University history, has been named the ninth Head Coach of the Youngstown State University softball program, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo announced on Tuesday.

Campbell, who just completed his eighth year as head coach and his 12th year overall working with the Lady Dragons' softball program, posted an impressive 285-129-1 overall record and a .688 winning percentage during his tenure.

"We are delighted to have Brian Campbell join our Penguin family as the new Head Softball Coach," Strollo said. "He brings with him not only a proven track record as a successful head coach, but also a commitment to providing a positive collegiate experience for his student-athletes."

"This is a great opportunity for my family and me," Campbell said. "Youngstown State has all of the tools in place to return to the top of the Horizon League, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead its softball program."

Campbell transitioned Tiffin into an NCAA Division II program from the NAIA, and in its first season as an NCAA Division II, Independent the Dragons finished with a 27-14-1 record. Tiffin was ranked as high as 32nd in the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) national polls in 2008 while moving as high as 13th in the NAIA national rankings in 2007.

Campbell, who has averaged 36 wins per season, was named American Midwest Conference (AMC) North Coach of the Year in 2007 for the third consecutive season after leading the Dragons to a 37-11 mark, a Region IX Championship and their second straight appearance in the NAIA National Softball Tournament.

In 2006, Campbell guided Tiffin to an impressive 57-11 overall record and the program's first Region IX title and first NAIA National Tournament appearance.

Campbell led Tiffin to four-consecutive AMC North Championships from 2004 to 2007 and the AMC Championship in 2002 with a 25-3 conference record and a 31-17 overall mark.

During the 2005 campaign, the Dragons compiled a 34-22 overall mark and an 11-1 conference record on the way to their third conference title in four years.

Campbell led Tiffin to a perfect 14-0 conference record and a 39-15 overall mark during the 2004 AMC North Championship season.

The Dragons earned conference runner-up honors in 2003 with a 33-20 overall mark and a 16-4 league record. They won their first league title in 2002 after posting a 25-3 conference record and a 31-17 overall mark.

After four seasons as an assistant coach, Campbell took over the Tiffin program in 2001 and posted a 27-19 overall record.

Campbell has coached 39 All-Conference selections, including 2007 Region and Conference Pitcher of the Year Krista Sowers, 2006 AMC North Player of the Year Kristina Schweikert, 2005 AMC North Player of the Year Denita Robinson, 2005 AMC North Pitcher of the Year and 2004 AMC North Player of the Year Rachel Richardson and 2002 AMC Player of the Year Kate Siroky.

He also serves as a national rater for softball for the NFCA Division II Top 25 poll and is a member of the NFCA Division II Head Coaches Committee.

Campbell, who also served as Assistant Athletic Director, is a 1994 graduate of Tiffin University with a degree in criminal justice. He also has a master's degree in criminal justice from Tiffin.

Campbell played for the Tiffin football team from 1990-94 on the offensive line, helping to lead the Dragons to their first-ever National Tournament appearance.

He also served as an assistant football coach from 1997-2000 and was an assistant coach at Newark High School.

He and his wife, Kristi, have a daughter, Courtney.

--Story provided by the Youngstown State office of sports information