MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Bethel University is excited to announce the appointment of Craig Massey as the new Varsity Women’s Head Softball Coach.
Massey is a former baseball standout for the Wildcats. He was a 1st Team All TranSouth Shortstop and 1st Team All Region XI Shortstop while at Bethel. Massey was named an NAIA All-American his junior season. He graduated from Bethel in 2013.
The West Tennessean had an outstanding prep career at Crockett County High School in Alamo. He was a 1st Team All West Tennessee selection and was a TSWA All-State selection for the Cavaliers.
Massey owns and operates Massey Athletics, a youth training facility in Alamo. The fitness and training center works with and sponsors softball and baseball travel teams as well as individual training for young athletes in several sports.
Craig was an assistant softball coach at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tennessee.
Massey played professional baseball for 13 seasons, the most recent as a player coach with the Florence (KY) Y’alls in the Frontier League. He recently collected his 1,000 professional career hit. Craig was an eight-time all-star in the professional ranks and a three-time batting champ.
Craig is married to Shelby Cummings Massey. They have two children – a 4-year-old son Griffin and 3-year-old daughter Emma Craig.
The Masseys’ Christian faith is important – Craig says Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”) and the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are his favorite Bible passages.
Shelby Massey played one softball season at Bethel before transferring to Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee her final three seasons.
Bethel Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley commented, “We are excited Craig is joining our coaching family. He brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to our program and university. He has worked with various age groups and has served as a hitting coach along with being a player coach in the professional ranks.”
Massey spoke about his decision to hang up his spikes to lead the Lady Wildcats. “I’m beyond grateful and humbled for the opportunity to serve as the head softball coach at Bethel University. I believe God has opened this door for a purpose, and I’m excited to pour into the lives of these young women—both spiritually and athletically. My goal is to build a Christ-centered culture where we pursue excellence, grow in faith, and glorify God in everything we do.”
