COLUMBUS, Miss. – Buddy Foster has been elevated to a full-time Assistant Athletics Director position for Mississippi University for Women, relinquishing his head coaching duties for softball after doing both jobs, concurrently, in 2022-23. In a related move, Owls' softball assistant coach, Rebecca Oldham, has been promoted to Interim Head Coach to replace Foster.
 
"I am thankful to the University for this new and exciting opportunity to serve our athletics program," Foster said.  "I have enjoyed my many years as a softball coach. However, with the many exciting things happening for The W Athletics, this seemed like the most logical time to begin a new chapter in my professional life.
 
"At the same time, I am just as excited and confident that I am leaving our softball program in very capable hands with Rebecca. I have known her for more than a decade as a student, graduate assistant, and as an assistant coach. She will keep The W Softball on an upward trajectory."
 
Foster spent three seasons at the MUW softball helm (60-54). His teams qualified for the USCAA Small College World Series each year. He produced nine USCAA All-Americans and 28 USCAA All-Academic Team selections.  Additionally, two of The W players – Amelia Stalter (2022) and Madison Crosby (2023) – were tabbed as the USCAA Student-Athlete of the Year for softball in each of the past two campaigns.
 
Among his current duties as assistant A.D., Foster oversees gameday operations and staffing, internal operational procedures by staff members, and helps cultivate relationships with businesses and former student-athletes. He is also key in dealing with facility issues and needs, as well as scheduling.
 
"I am looking forward to an expanded role in serving our department and The W," Foster added. "I cannot imagine a better time in the life of our program to have the opportunity to provide more leadership and direction."