Andy Kirk introduced as new softball at ICC

Itawamba Community College introduced Andy Kirk as the new softball coach on Friday. (Maggie Caldwell/ICC Public Relations)

FULTON, MS – Itawamba Community College Athletic Director Carrie Ball-Williamson announced Union County native Andy Kirk as the Lady Indians’ new softball coach in a Thursday afternoon press conference held at the Davis Event Center.

Kirk comes to ICC after 13 years in the Mississippi Public Schools system and two years coaching collegiate baseball.  He replaces outgoing softball coach Chad Case who will take over as Housing Director at ICC in July.

“I’m super excited to be coming to Itawamba Community College and moving up back to the college ranks of coaching,” said Kirk. “Coach Case did a tremendous job and laid a great foundation for this program and I’m looking forward to maintaining that level of play and build on it to bring some state and regional championships to ICC.”

The Ingomar graduate coached hitters and outfielders at Delta State University before joining current University of Michigan head coach Rich Maloney to coach hitters, base runners, and outfielders at Ball State University where he coached three future first round MLB draft picks.

In 2002, Kirk returned to Union County and helped launch the West Union High School fast pitch softball program and coached the Lady Eagles’ basketball team to three MHSAA Class 1A North State Tournament appearances.

In 2009, he won his first softball championship when he helped guide the West Union Lady Eagles to the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship. He also has state championship rings as an assistant boys basketball coach at New Albany (1997) and head golf coach at West Union (2003).

He was named Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal All-Area Coach of the Year after guiding West Union to the Class 1A MHSAA North State Championships in 2007 and 2009 and recently revived the East Union softball program by leading them to the 2010 Division 2-2A championship.

Kirk leaves the high school coaching ranks with an overall softball record of 176 wins and 91 losses, one MHSAA championship, two North State titles, and four division titles. He is an active member of the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association, has coached in two All-Star games, and was named Division Coach of the Year four times in 10 seasons coaching in the tradition-rich Union County school system.

The 19-year player and coaching veteran graduated Magna Cum Laude from Union University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health in 1996 and earned his Masters of Education in 2002 from Delta State University. While at Union, he earned NAIA Baseball Academic All-American honors.

For more information on ICC softball and the nine other intercollegiate athletic programs visit the college website at www.iccms.edu.