July 10, 2002

COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri head softball coach Ty Singleton announced on Wednesday the addition of Karrie Rider to the Tiger coaching staff. Rider, a native of Vancouver, Wash., comes to Mizzou after spending one season as an assistant coach at Harvard. Rider will work primarily as MU's fielding coach.

"We are very excited to have Karrie become part of our staff," Singleton said. "She will bring a wealth of experience and passion to our program. Her enthusiasm will be contagious."

Rider graduated from Mississippi State in 2001with a degree in Fitness Management and a concentration in Kinesiology. While at Mississippi State, she was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference shortstop, an NFCA Academic All-American and was a four-year team captain. Rider posted a .259 career batting average with 37 extra-base hits and 92 RBI. During her senior season, she hit .306, with a career-high 43 RBI.

This summer, Rider is competing as a member of the Stratford Brakettes of the ASA Women's Major Fast Pitch League. Last year she played for the Ohio Pride of the Women's Professional Softball League, leading the league in fielding percentage and helping the Pride reach the League Championship finals.

"I want to thank Ty and the administration at Missouri for giving me this opportunity to become part of the Missouri softball team," Rider said. "I am looking forward to the start of the season and the chance to work with all of the players and the coaches."

Rider joins Tom Royder as a Tiger assistant coach. Royder was named to the MU staff last month following Singleton's hiring at Missouri.