Reed Named ETBU Honorable Alum
November 3, 2006

Michael Reed, head softball coach at The University of Texas at Tyler, will receive the 2006 Young Alumnus Award from East Texas Baptist University during ETBU’s Homecoming this week. The award is presented annually by ETBU and is selected from all graduates in the proceeding ten years.

Reed, who became UT Tyler’s first softball coach in January of 2004, has amassed a career record of 158-52.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized with such a prestigious award. I am very thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point, especially all my former and current players,” said Reed. “As a coach, much of your success depends on the quality of your players, and I have been fortunate enough to coach some outstanding young ladies. This award may have my name on it, put it is a reflection of all their hard work and dedication.”

Reed graduated from ETBU in 1997 with a degree in businesses administration before earning a Master’s degree in education from UT Tyler in 2002.

“ETBU not only provided me with the education needed for a successful career, it provided me my first opportunity in that field. For that, I will always be grateful,” said Reed.

Reed began his career with his alma mater when he was appointed assistant softball coach at ETBU in 1999. With a 28-10 record in 2000, he helped lead the Tiger team to championships in the American Southwest Conference East Division,

He was then promoted to Head Softball Coach and from 2000 to 2004 posted a 105-31 Record. He continued to provide winning leadership at ETBU for two ASC East Division Championships, three ASC Championships and a NCAA Regional Championship, always ranking among the very highest in the nation. In 2001, his team finished second at the NCCAA National Tournament. Reed was selected American Southwest Conference East Division Coach of the Year for both 2001 and 2002.

After serving as both coach and kinesiology instructor at ETBU, Michael was hired in 2004 by UT Tyler to start and build an NCAA softball program. In the spring of 2004, he began recruiting student-athletes for their first-ever team and helped design and oversee construction for a $4 million athletic complex. His two-year record at Tyler is 53-21 and he has produced 16 All Division players and 4 All Region players. In only its first and second year of softball, Reed has led UT Tyler to second place conference finishes in both seasons.

Reed is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, the UT Tyler Alumni Association and has served on the NCAA West Region Softball Advisory Committee.

Reed and his wife Amanda have a four year-old son, Garrett.

Some Information Courtesy of the ETBU Alumni Office.

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