Adam Kirkpatrick Joins @MizzouSoftball Coaching Staff
2/9/2018 7:48:00 AM | Softball
Tuscaloosa, Ala., native has over 30 years of playing & coaching experience
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball interim head coach Gina Fogue has added Adam Kirkpatrick to her coaching staff, as announced Friday. Kirkpatrick will serve as the new assistant coach with a focus on the Tigers' pitching staff, as the 2018 season officially opens this weekend.
"Adam's degree in human performance and his knowledge of pitching has built him a reputation as a leading expert in the biomechanics of softball pitching," Coach Fogue said. "I wanted to make sure we could find a coach that would come in and mesh well with our pitchers. We're excited for Adam to work with our ladies to not only build them on the field both mentally and physically but mentor them off the field as well. I want to welcome Adam, his wife and new baby boy to the Mizzou Softball family."
"I would like to thank Coach Fogue and the administration at the University of Missouri for this opportunity to join a program with such a rich history of success," Kirkpatrick said. "The chance to work with such capable coaches and talented student-athletes is truly a dream come true. My family and I couldn't be more excited."
Kirkpatrick has been heavily involved with collegiate and professional softball for the past three decades. He recently served as the interim head coach at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., during its 2017 campaign. Kirkpatrick received interim head coach duties after serving as the team's pitching and strength and conditioning coach in its 2016 season.
In his first season with the Ferris State Bulldogs in 2016, Kirkpatrick played a pivotal role into the team's success as they posted a 36-18 record and finished tied for third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The 36 wins represented a 20-game improvement over the Bulldogs' previous 2015 season.
Ferris State made its first GLIAC Tournament appearance in three years in 2016 and posted its fourth-most single-season wins in school history. Kirkpatrick assisted with on-field coaching, recruiting and team administrative duties.
Prior to his two-year stint at Ferris State, Kirkpatrick was an assistant coach at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., from 2012-15. He helped the Golden Eagles to the 2013 WHAC regular season title and a trip to the 2014 NAIA National Tournament. His coaching responsibilities included pitchers and catchers, hitting and strength and conditioning.
Beginning in 1989, Kirkpatrick starred as a player and coach within the professional fastpitch softball world for nearly 30 years. In 2012, he competed at the highest level of men's fastpitch with the Motor City Shamrocks in Detroit, Mich. The team finished Top-10 in that year's ASA Major National Tournament.
Kirkpatrick has also excelled in private instruction with the ACES Fastpitch Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala. From 2002-17, he built a reputation as a leading expert in the biomechanics of softball pitching. Under his guidance, over 30 players went on to Division I softball careers, including three All-American selections and multiple All-Conference honors.
Kirkpatrick graduated from the University of Alabama in 2001 with a bachelor's in Education and Human Performance.
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