Mizzou softball announces new interim head coach

The Mizzou softball team announced Gina Fogue will be the interim head coach for the 2018 season. Fogue replaces longtime head coach Ehren Earleywine, who was fired this past Friday.

“I would like to thank Jim Sterk and Brian Brown for entrusting me with this great group of women,” Fogue said in a statement released by Mizzou. “Naturally, this isn’t the scenario in which you envision taking over as head coach, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to do anything I can to help this team move forward with a successful season. I’ve learned a tremendous amount under Coach Earleywine in my time here at Mizzou, and I look forward to building on this program’s proud tradition.”

Mizzou athletic director Jim Sterk praised Fogue in a statement.

“Gina has had a tremendous amount of responsibility with practice and game management decisions over the past four seasons which have greatly contributed to Mizzou’s success, and we believe it was in the best interest of our student-athletes to have her serve as our Interim Head Coach for the upcoming season. As a Mizzou alum, who played on a pair of Women’s College World Series teams during her career, she loves Mizzou and has proven to be a fierce competitor.”

Fogue played under Ehren Earleywine at Mizzou from 2006-2010. She had her best season as a senior, batting .321 with eight home runs and 32 RBI. Fogue was a utility player for the Tigers – she saw playing time at third base, second base, shortstop and in the outfield.

Fogue has been on the Tigers softball staff since 2011. She started as the team’s Director of Operations. In 2013, Earleywine promoted her to assistant coach. Fogue has primarily worked with MU’s outfielders. The past four seasons, she has also coached base-runners.

Mizzou opens up its 2018 season at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., against San Jose State, Feb. 8. The Tigers will host their black and gold game on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. inside Devine Pavilion.