Matt Prysock has been named head softball coach at Southeast Arkansas College, effective July 1.
The school also has a new golf coach.
Prysock, recently an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, becomes the second head Shark in program history and in as many years, after Belinda Hendrix left for Garden City Community College in Kansas. SEARK had an abbreviated first season in softball, canceling the remainder of its schedule March 6 with a 4-13 record after injuries reduced its roster to nine players.
“I am honored and excited to join the SEARK Sharks as the head softball coach,” Prysock said in a news release. “I am committed to building a program that not only achieves success on the field but also prepares our student-athletes for their future endeavors. I look forward to working with the talented players and dedicated staff at SEARK.”
In a news release, Prysock is said to be poised to lead SEARK to new heights in softball, as his expertise and dedication to player development will “undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the program.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Athletic director Chad Kline said the college is thrilled to welcome Prysock.
“His proven track record and dedication to the sport will undoubtedly elevate our softball program and provide our student-athletes with the guidance they need to excel.”
Prysock, originally of Benton, spent the past season at Rich Mountain. He graduated from Centenary College in Shreveport, where he played baseball. He immediately became an assistant softball coach at Ranger College in Texas and also the head women’s basketball coach, leading Ranger to its first winning season in 12 years, according to his UARM bio.
He also became Centenary’s head softball coach at age 22, the youngest of any sport in NCAA Division I at the time. (Centenary now competes in Division III.)
Prysock has also served as an assistant at the University of Central Arkansas before entering the corporate world with Dallas’ Allergan Medical. He’s also been in marketing with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, NHL’s Dallas Stars and MLS’ Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) and volunteered at Baylor University.
Prysock also has been a 16-under AAA head coach at The Fastpitch School Organization.
SHARKS ADDING MEN’S, WOMEN’S GOLF
The announcement of Prysock’s hire comes nearly two weeks after the college revealed it would add men’s and women’s golf to its athletic department for the fall. Rieke Stewart has been hired as the coach for both programs.
“I am incredibly excited to join SEARK College and lead the men’s and women’s golf teams,” Stewart said in another news release. “Arkansas has produced some of the best golfers at the collegiate level, and we look forward to seeing the SEARK Sharks be a part of that storied history. We have a tremendous opportunity here in Pine Bluff to build competitive teams that will make our community proud. I can’t wait to start working with our student-athletes and help them achieve their full potential.”
Adding golf, according to the release, aligns with SEARK’s commitment to expanding its athletics and giving students diverse opportunities to excel in sports.
“The addition of the men’s and women’s golf teams marks a significant step forward in enhancing the college’s athletic department and promoting a well-rounded college experience,” according to the release.
SEARK began competition in baseball and softball this past school year and will tip off in men’s and women’s basketball this fall. SEARK competes in NJCAA Division II.