SEWARD, Neb. – Previously an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Tatum Edwards has been hired as Head Coach of the Concordia University Softball program, as announced on Sunday (Aug. 8). Most recently, Edwards served as the top assistant for the Mavericks softball program. Edwards possesses coaching experience at three separate NCAA Division I institutions.
Edwards becomes the sixth different Bulldog Softball head coach during the GPAC era (2000-present). She takes the reins of a program coming off an appearance at the 2021 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round.
Said Edwards, “I want to first thank the administration of Concordia for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to lead the Bulldogs. Concordia has such a cohesive and supportive atmosphere that I can’t wait to be a part of. I am most excited to share my competitiveness and passion for the game and build a strong culture within our team. Can’t wait to get to work!”
Said Director of Athletics Devin Smith, “Our athletic leadership team identified Coach Edwards as an exceptional young coach in our search for a new leader of Concordia Softball. Her credentials as both a coach and player speak for themselves and will serve her well as she takes this new step in her professional career. I believe strongly in Tatum’s ability to elevate our program, establish day-to-day consistency for our student-athletes and represent Bulldog Athletics with Christian character. I look forward to working with Coach Edwards.”
Edwards’ coaching career began in 2016 with a two-year run as a graduate assistant for the Huskers under her college coach, Rhonda Revelle. Edwards then worked as a volunteer coach for Purdue University in 2018 before securing a full-time position at Nebraska-Omaha. Edwards spent three seasons as the lead assistant coach for the Mavericks, who went from four wins in 2019 to 20 wins in 2021.
An impressive playing career on the diamond led Edwards into the coaching profession. Originally from Murrieta, Calif., Edwards put together a collegiate run that ranks her as one of the top players in Cornhusker Softball history. Among her many honors, Edwards was twice named an NFCA All-American and was recognized as the 2013 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. The four-time All-Big Ten selection capped her college career with a pitching record of 70-28 to go along with a 2.02 ERA and 551 strikeouts in 623.1 innings. At the plate, she batted .292 with 46 home runs, 158 RBIs and a .556 slugging percentage. Academically, Edwards was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Post-graduation, Edwards played professional softball for three years in the National Pro Fastpitch League. She excelled for back-to-back NPF championship teams with the Chicago Bandits. Edwards also played for the Pennsylvania Rebellion.
Edwards earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences and her Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her professional career includes service as a substitute teacher through Lincoln Public Schools.
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“Tatum Edwards is a home run hire! She is passionate, competitive and has been highly successful in the sport as a player and coach. Tatum will be an outstanding mentor, role model and leader for the young women who wear the Bulldog jersey. It is a great day to be a Bulldog.
“Congratulations to Concordia University for their wonderful hire of Tatum Edwards as their Head Softball Coach.”
-Nebraska Head Softball Coach Rhonda Revelle