WVU Potomac State Athletic Director Mandi Larkin has announced the hiring of Chris Greise as the Catamounts next Head Softball Coach.
Greise is not an unfamiliar name to the Catamounts, having been in the regional softball scene for over a decade. In 2019, he developed the softball program at Bishop Walsh High School and successfully led the team to a 60-8 record during his time as the head coach.
"Coach Greise checks all the boxes for what we were looking for in our next head coach," said WVU Potomac State Athletic Director Mandi Larkin. "His softball knowledge, connections with the regional area, and desire to continue the success of the program made him the top candidate for the position."
In addition to his success at Bishop Walsh, Greise was the head coach of the Potomac Valley Elite U18 team, coaching players from the regional area in a competitive atmosphere. He was also involved with Cumberland Heat Softball Association, serving as the Head Coach for teams from 12U to 18U during his tenure. He brings leadership experience as the former President of Cumberland Heat Fastpitch Association, as well as additional coaching experience at Frankfort High School, Frankfort Middle School, and Frankfort Recreational Association.
Over the last four seasons the Potomac State program has established a record of 144-31, winning the NJCAA Region 20 Championship four times and making three runs into the NJCAA World Series. The program has been nationally ranked in preseason and regular season polls and has produced several All-Americans both academically and athletically. One obvious All-American to mention is Chloe Greise, daughter of Chris and Bobby Sue Greise. Chloe was the starting pitcher for the Catamounts this past season and earned All-American honors after boasting a record of 22-5 and recording 210 strikeouts in 161.1 innings.
"While Chris, his wife Bobby Sue, and their children are already a part of the Catamounts, we are excited to welcome them into a new role in the Potomac State family," said Athletic Director Mandi Larkin. "We feel Coach Greise can continue to build on the foundation of success that has been established and push the WVU Potomac State softball program even farther. Sky's the limit."
"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to coach at Potomac State. I have been a supporter of the team since Coach Walton was the head coach and I can't wait to continue to move the program forward," said Greise. "I hope to continue to make the region proud of this team, and I look forward to helping the student-athletes see personal and team success along the way."
Greise is a graduate of Bishop Walsh High School who owns his own business and lives in Ridgeley, WV.