Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell announced today a multi-year contract extension for Omaha Softball head coach Mike Heard through the 2028 season. 

"Coach Heard has elevated Omaha Softball to unprecedented heights at the Division I level during his three years at the helm," said Dowell.  "In addition to already securing significant program achievements, Mike continues to successfully recruit the incredible talent in our region while his student-athletes record wins in the classroom and community.  We are excited about this program's ability to achieve sustainable success under Coach Heard's leadership."
Heard, an Omaha native, is in his third campaign at the helm for the Mavericks. In just his second year, Heard led Omaha to their first-ever Summit League Championship title. The 2023 tournament title gave the Mavericks their first NCAA DI Tournament berth where Heard guided the Mavericks to becoming Omaha's first women's program to win an NCAA tournament game. In his debut season as head coach, Heard and the Mavericks made an appearance in the 2022 Summit League Championship game. 

"I am very appreciative of this opportunity to continue growing our Omaha Softball program and working with the student-athletes that make that happen," said Heard. "Thank you to Vice Chancellor of Athletics Adrian Dowell, Chancellor Joanne Li, and our entire administration for their support of our program and our student-athletes.  

Since his arrival in 2022, Heard has accumulated an impressive winning record of 95-40. Heard and the Mavericks achieved the longest win streak in the nation during the 2024 season. Mixed into their 16 consecutive victories were five Power 5 wins against Arizona St., Purdue, and Nebraska. His leadership and rolling success boosted Omaha to a 54 RPI ranking, the highest in program history. 

Over three seasons, Heard has coached 12 All-Summit League selections, one Summit League Player of the Month, and one NCFA All-Region Second Team. His teams have also had success in the classroom collecting four All-League Academic nods and 17 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors. 

In the 2023 season, under the guidance of Heard, the Mavericks posted a 3.699 team GPA. The team's collective GPA was recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as a top 10 GPA among all DI programs. 

"Their commitment to our student-athletes is a huge part of our success.  My family and I are excited to continue being Mavs!"