OMAHA, Neb. - Interim Athletic Director
Mike Kemp has announced the hiring of Mike Heard as the new head coach of the Omaha Softball Program. Heard becomes the ninth head coach in program history.
"We feel very blessed to have attracted a coach of Mike Heard's pedigree to take over our softball program," said Kemp. "His philosophy and ability to help young athletes reach their full potential was what attracted us to him. His record of success at every level where he has coached is a great indicator of his ability to bring the best out of his athletes. We feel he will be able to come in and hit the ground running."
Heard joins the Mavericks after a six-year stint at Midland as the head softball coach. While with the Warriors, Heard compiled a 147-92 overall record and was a three-time GPAC Coach of the Year award winner.
"I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Omaha softball and build upon the past success and tradition of this program," said Heard. "We will work hard to honor those that cam before us and be a program that does things the right way - both on and off the field."
Heard led Midland to the regular season title in 2021 and a share of the title in 2019 and 2018. In all three of those seasons, Heard also led the Warriors to appearances in the NAIA National Championship Tournament.
Prior to Midland, Heard was the head coach of the Nebraska Fury Fastpitch/Gold travel softball team for 10 seasons. In 2015, Heard's Nebraska Gold 16U Team won the ASA/USA 16U Gold National Championship, becoming the first championship team from the state of Nebraska.
Since 2005, Heard has helped coach within the Nebraska Fury Fastpitch program. Nebraska Fury teams have consistently finished in the Top-20 of major softball championships since its inception.
In addition to Nebraska Fury Fastpitch, Heard was the head coach at Omaha Marion for three seasons. In 2014, Heard led the Crusaders to a state runner-up finish and the program's first state tournament appearance in eight years. In 2015, the Crusaders went on to win Omaha Marian's first ever Class A State Championship.
"I'd like to thank Interim Athletic Director
Mike Kemp and the university for trusting me with this opportunity. We want to build a program that connects strongly with the local softball communities, both in Omaha and the entire state of Nebraska. I am excited to get started."
