PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern is pleased to announce the hiring of Keith Essary as the new assistant coach for the Firehawk softball program ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Essary brings more than 25 years of coaching experience across high school, collegiate, and professional baseball and softball, with a reputation for player development and program success.
"I'm excited to announce that Keith Essary will be joining our staff here at UT Southern!" said Head Coach Murphy Davis. "Keith brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. His passion for the game of softball, coaching, and helping young adults develop both on and off the field shines bright! I'm confident Keith will add value to our program in many ways and will help continue to lead this program in a positive direction."
Prior to joining UT Southern, Essary served as the assistant softball coach at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain for two seasons. During his time with the Bucks, the program posted a combined 80-34 record and quickly rose to regional prominence.
"I am incredibly excited to join the coaching staff at the University of Tennessee Southern," commented Essary. "I would like to thank the Vice Chancellor/Athletic Director, Brandie Paul and Head Coach Murphy Davis for the opportunity. It is clear that both have a passion for the sport and a strong vision for the future of Firehawk softball. I am eager to work with them both to help achieve great success on and off the field."
In addition to his recent collegiate softball experience, Essary has held coaching roles at the NCAA Division II level, most recently with Lane College baseball in 2023. He also led the George County High School (Miss.) Lady Rebels softball team to back-to-back playoff appearances and earned District Coach of the Year and Clarion Ledger Coach of the Year honors in 2016.
Essary's broad coaching background includes time as a collegiate assistant at Morthland College, where he helped guide the baseball team to a .350 team batting average in its first year, as well as managing the White Sands Pupfish in the Pecos League of Professional Baseball. His semi-professional teams—most notably the Columbia Curve—achieved multiple national rankings and tournament appearances.
In 2019, Essary was selected to coach the Team USA Military All-Stars on their national tour, an experience he counts among his most meaningful coaching moments.
Essary earned his bachelor's degree from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Madelyn, Noah, and Ella.
Essary officially joins the Firehawk staff as UT Southern prepares for the upcoming 2026 season.
FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS
Stay up to date with all the latest action from UTS Athletics! Follow the Firehawks on social media:
Twitter: @utsathletics
Instagram: @utsouthernathletics
Facebook: @UT Southern Firehawks
Don't miss a moment — Go Firehawks!
