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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. -- West Liberty University has announced the hiring of Chris Brunson as the new head coach of the Hilltopper softball program.
Brunson brings more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and prep levels to the Hilltop, along with a championship pedigree, a strong background in player development and a proven record of success. Most recently, Brunson spent two seasons as the head softball coach at Waynesburg University, compiling a 49-32 overall record.
“I would like to thank President Dr. Tim Borchers and Athletic Director Mr. Brad Forshey for trusting me with the softball program at West Liberty University,” Brunson said. “During my visit to campus, everyone was incredibly welcoming, and it truly felt like a place where I belonged. The softball program and the athletics department as a whole have a rich history of competitive success in the MEC. I am eager to continue that tradition and am extremely excited to get started.”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Chris Brunson to the Hilltop and to the West Liberty family,” Forshey said. “From our first conversations, Chris’ passion for the game, his genuine care for student-athletes, and his excitement about becoming part of our community really stood out. I believe our student-athletes are going to enjoy playing for him and getting to know him as a person. We’re thrilled to have Chris leading our softball program and look forward to welcoming him to West Liberty.”
Brunson took over the Yellow Jacket program in June 2024 after spending six seasons as the head softball coach at Mt. Pleasant High School.
Prior to his time at Waynesburg, Brunson guided the Vikings to some of the most successful seasons in program history. His 2021 squad captured the PIAA Class 3A state championship after winning the WPIAL district title. Two years earlier, Mt. Pleasant finished as the WPIAL runner-up and advanced to the PIAA state semifinals.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Mt. Pleasant, Brunson served as the school’s athletic director from 2019-21. Brunson also brings 14 years of collegiate coaching experience to West Liberty. From 2001-14, he served as an assistant baseball coach at his alma mater, California University of Pennsylvania, now PennWest California.
During his time with the Vulcans, Brunson was part of teams that captured PSAC championships in 2004 and 2010. California also won six divisional championships and made 12 appearances in the PSAC Tournament during his tenure, including NCAA Division II Regional appearances in 2007 and 2010.
Brunson’s work with pitchers was a particular strength during his time at California. He coached 23 All-PSAC West pitchers and mentored 11 players who went on to play professionally.
A former collegiate pitcher and team captain at California, Brunson led the Vulcans’ pitching staff in earned run average and innings pitched as a junior before collecting five victories as a senior.
Brunson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from California in 2000 and completed a master’s degree in geography and regional planning in 2001. He added a master’s certificate in intercollegiate athletic administration from California in 2008.