MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced on Thursday that Missy Bruggeman has been named the new head softball coach at SMSU.

Bruggeman, who becomes the ninth head coach in program history, takes over for Shawn Semler, who resigned Aug. 21, 2011, after eight seasons as head coach. 

Bruggeman will begin her duties at SMSU on Nov. 28.  Hmielewski served as the interim head softball coach during the fall season.

“Missy will bring a great enthusiasm and passion to the Mustang softball program,” Hmielewski said on Thursday.  “Her coaching philosophy stresses the importance of student-athlete academic and athletic success. Missy will create a positive learning environment for our student-athletes focused on enhancing their softball knowledge and helping our ladies grow both academically and socially.”

Bruggeman has served as an assistant coach the past two seasons at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., helping in all aspects of the program.  St. Thomas qualified for a pair of NCAA tournaments during her tenure, including recording a 42-6 record in 2011 and a 40-8 record in 2010.

She has also served as head coach for several ASA fastpich softball teams in the Twin Cities area during the past three seasons.

“I'd like to thank Chris Hmielewski for having the faith in me to take over this position at Southwest Minnesota State,” Bruggeman said.  “I'm extremely thrilled for this opportunity to serve as head coach at SMSU and I look forward to helping the program continue to grow and compete in the NSIC.  I also would like to thank my college head coach, John Tschida, for teaching not only the game of softball, but also on how to be a great mentor with student-athletes.”

Bruggeman, a native of Greenbush, Minn., was a four-year standout at St. Thomas where she capped off her career being named NCAA Division III first team All-America in 2009.  She batted .514 as a senior and led the team in both hits (72) and stolen bases (24).

A two-time first team all-conference honoree, she finished her career batting .404 with 67 stolen bases and helped the Tommies to a record of 172-19 during her four seasons.  As a player, she was a member of four-conference champion and four NCAA tournament teams. 

“In her interview, Missy stressed a focus on life skill development of our student-athletes through their softball experience at SMSU, and the important role those life skills will play in our student-athlete's lives following graduation,” Hmielewski said.  “I am excited about Missy's future as our head softball coach, and I would like to welcome her to the Mustang family.”

Bruggeman is a 2009 graduate St. Thomas with a degree in health education and physical education.  She earned her master's degree in education from St. Thomas in 2011.

Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, Minn., and is a member of NCAA Division II.  SMSU finished 29-19 last season and has averaged more than 32 victories the past six seasons.