Delta State Names Chad Cribbs as New Softball Coach
Delta State University has announced the hiring of Chad Cribbs as the head softball coach for the Lady Statesmen. The university’s athletics director, Mike Kinnison, said Cribbs brings a strong background in high school and national travel softball, with expertise in player development, recruiting, and program leadership.
In his new role, Cribbs will oversee all aspects of the softball program, including recruiting, student-athlete growth, competition preparation, academic support, and operations. “Coach Cribbs brings an impressive combination of championship success, player development experience, and organizational leadership to Delta State,” Kinnison said. “He has built a reputation for developing student-athletes, creating competitive cultures, and building strong relationships throughout the recruiting landscape. We are excited to welcome Chad and his family to Delta State and are confident he will lead the next successful chapter of Lady Statesmen Softball.”
Cribbs most recently served as head coach at Keller High School in Keller, Texas, where he led the team to consecutive district championships and deep postseason runs. His Keller teams won the 2024 undefeated district title and reached the regional finals, then claimed the 2025 district championship and advanced to the regional semifinals. His success earned him the 2024 Fort Worth Star-Telegram Coach of the Year award and a spot on the 2025 District 4-6A Coaching Staff of the Year.
Before becoming head coach, Cribbs worked as an assistant at Keller High School, building a reputation for athlete development and fostering disciplined, team-oriented cultures. In addition to his high school coaching, Cribbs has extensive experience in travel softball, coaching athletes at the national level and assisting students through the college recruiting process. He is also co-owner of Texas Grit Athletics, overseeing operations of a multi-team softball organization. His background in strength and conditioning complements his coaching approach, emphasizing holistic athlete development.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Lady Statesmen softball program and become part of the Delta State family,” Cribbs said. “Delta State has a rich athletic tradition, and I look forward to building relationships with our student-athletes, alumni, and supporters while developing a championship culture rooted in hard work, accountability, and pride. My family and I are eager to join the Cleveland community and begin building something special.”
Cribbs holds a Master of Arts in Sports Management from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Jacksonville State University. He and his wife, Talina, have three daughters: Cambree, Tinslee, and Calliee.
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