CASEY BOURGOYNE
Head Softball Coach
First Year/DSU 2002

As one of the top shortstops in the Gulf South Conference from 1999-2002, Casey Bourgoyne made all the plays for the Lady Statesmen. As of Monday, the three-time All-GSC standout will be expected to call them, as Bourgoyne was named the new head coach of the Lady Statesmen Softball program effective July 1. Her hiring also has historical implications, as she will become the first female head coach and the first former Lady Statesmen to lead the program in Delta State softball history.

After completing an outstanding four-year career with the Lady Statesmen, Bourgoyne began her coaching career as a graduate assistant for former coach David Kuhn in 2003. After two successful seasons as a graduate assistant, she moved to the University of North Alabama where she has spent the past four seasons as the primary assistant to head coach Jeremy Reece.

While at UNA, the Lady Lions posted a 136-82 record and returned to postseason play for the first time since 2000. In 2005, Coach Bourgoyne helped guide UNA to a 36-20 finish and a trip to the GSC Tournament. One year later, North Alabama went 40-20 and advanced all the way to the NCAA South Region Tournament in Lakeland, Fla.

Bourgoyne finished her playing career at Delta State in 2002 after four years at shortstop. When the Walker, La., native put down the glove, she ranked first all-time in GSC history in assists and she also held the record for assists in a single season. Bourgoyne is also a member of a select club of Lady Statesmen who have been named to the All-GSC Team at least three times. In Delta State softball history, only six have accomplished the feat.