SFA Softball Announces The Hiring of Highly Successful Coach

A few weeks ago, the SFA Lumberjacks Athletic Department announced that a nationwide search was underway for a new SFA Softball Coach, following Richie Bruister's resignation. That search has now come to an end.

On Tuesday, June 6, SFA Athletics Director, Ryan Ivey announced the hiring of Jeff Jackson as the new head softball coach.

"I am extremely excited to welcome Jeff, Jessica, Parker and Connor to SFA and Nacogdoches.  When we began this process, we set out looking for someone that would continue the momentum of our softball program.  We wanted someone that understood and would embrace our AXE 'EM core values, and would focus on providing leadership and stability to our softball program, and most importantly, our student-athletes.  I am confident that we found all of that in Jeff Jackson," said Ivey. "Jeff's background is full of success on the diamond, in the classroom and in the community.  He has built and elevated programs to consistent, national success, and I am confident he will do the same at SFA.  The future is bright for SFA softball."

Jackson's resume and past records and accomplishments are beyond impressive.

According to an SFA press release, Jackson was the head coach at Odessa College for the past six seasons. Last season, Jackson led the Wranglers to a 54-6 record and an appearance in the 2023 NJCAA DI Softball World Series Semifinals for the second season in a row. The 2022 season was historic for the Wranglers as they finished 3rd in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament knocking off #12 seed San Jac, #13 seed Lake Land, and #1 seed Florida Southwestern before dropping the semifinal matchup to #7 McLennan and then a heartbreaker to #1 Florida Southwestern to be eliminated.

Prior to Odessa, Coach Jackson served three seasons as head softball coach at Ranger College.  Under his leadership, Ranger went from the last-place finisher in the NTJCAC to the #12 team in the nation.  Jackson coached a total of seven 1st Team All-Region, seven 1st Team All-Conference players, and nine 2nd Team All-Conference players while at Ranger.

Coach Jackson started coaching softball after three years as a baseball assistant.  Before becoming the head softball coach, he spent two years as the assistant baseball coach at Ranger under head coach Josh Blakley.  He began his coaching career at McMurry University in Abilene, TX after four seasons as the team's catcher under head coaches Lee Driggers and John Byington.

He received his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and holds a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration.

Coach Jackson lives in Odessa with his wife, Jessica, six year-old daughter, Parker, and three year-old son, Connor.