ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' assistant vice president for athletics Dr. John Neese has named Casey Wilson as the new head coach for the Hardin-Simmons softball program.
 
Wilson is a familiar name around Abilene as he has most recently served as the head coach of the Abilene Christian women's soccer team. He started that program from scratch in 2007 and had a career record of 167-117-28 in his 16 seasons.
 
Prior to his stint as the head soccer coach for the Wildcats he was an assistant coach at ACU for softball. He was the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator from 2005 to 2010. He remained the assistant coach along with his soccer duties. ACU went 193-138 in his time as an assistant coach and made four trips to the national tournament.
 
"Those six years at ACU coaching softball were some of the most enjoyable times of my life as a coach," said Wilson. "I appreciate the administration -- president Bruntmyer, Dr. McNair and Dr. Neese -- showing confidence in me. I am thankful for the opportunity."  
 
Wilson replaces Chanin Naudin, who left last Hardin-Simmons last month to be a coach at South Dakota State. The Cowgirls spent part of last season nationally ranked and finished the year with a record of 26-15 and return the majority of the team.
 
"When I met with the girls. it showed that they just love to play the game," said Wilson. "They are enthusiastic about playing and they have a lot of pride and love for their school and the program.  
 
Wilson played baseball at ACU for two seasons after going to Central Michigan as a placekicker on the football team. He is originally from Anaheim Hills, Calif., and has a bachelor's in marketing from ACU and a MBA from Concordia (Calif.).
 
Wilson and wife, Julie, live in Abilene. He has twin sons Hayden and Tanner and daughters Mary Collins and June.
 
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