Mizzou announces contract extension for softball coach Larissa Anderson
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou softball coach Larissa Anderson will be sticking around Columbia through 2028, the athletic department announced on Friday.
Coach Anderson signed an extension that extended her contract two more years, as her original deal came to an end in 2026.
"This commitment reflects my deep belief in the direction of our program and the incredible potential of our players. Together, we're building something special, and I'm excited to continue this journey with our team," Anderson said.
The extension comes after Anderson's crew fell just one game short of a trip to the Women's College World Series in the 2024 campaign. Mizzou finished as a Top-10 team in the country with an NCAA Super Regional appearance and the team's second SEC Tournament Championship appearance in three seasons.
During the 2024 season, the Tiger totaled 48 wins, which is the program's highest win total in the SEC era and fourth-most in program history.
Her teams have also brought a lot of excitement to women's sports. Last season, Mizzou led the country with a total NCAA postseason attendance of 21,624 fans. Overall, MU ranked fourth national for average attendance.
"Under her guidance, our team has consistently demonstrated excellence on the field and in the classroom. Larissa embodies values we hold dear at Mizzou, including passion, integrity and a relentless drive for success. We are confident that with her continued leadership, Mizzou Softball will reach even greater heights in the years to come," Athletic Director Laird Veatch said in a press release.
Anderson will be entering her seventh season at the helm of Tiger softball in 2025. Leading up to this point, she's had quite a career, as she boasts a 217-115 record, five NCAA Regional appearances and a pair of Super Regional appearances, as well. She's also led MU to at least 35 wins in all of her seasons in Columbia, except for the shortened COVID-19 season in 2020.
"Leading Mizzou Softball has been an honor, and the love I have for what we've accomplished here is immeasurable," Anderson added. "The dedication of our players and the unwavering support from their families have been crucial to our success, and the vibrant atmosphere we've cultivated reflects our collective hard work. I take immense pride in our players, the culture we are fostering, and the exceptional environment we've built in our stadium," she said.
