Don Kennedy, who has spent 11 of the last 12 seasons assisting the successful softball team at Central Missouri State University, has accepted the head coaching position of the softball program at University of Missouri-Rolla.

Kennedy is taking over for Ryan Anderson, who left UMR last month to become the head coach at Northwest Missouri State University.

"I am extremely pleased to have Don joining us," said UMR director of athletics Mark Mullin. "His experience, work ethic, and personable nature will all be attributes that will help to bolster our program. I am confident he will be an exceptional leader for Lady Miner softball and an excellent member of our outstanding coaching staff."

Kennedy, a 1993 graduate of CMSU with a bachelor's degree in physical education, joined the Central staff as a volunteer assistant with the women's basketball program, then started working with the softball team in the 1995 season. He did the bulk of his work with the catchers and outfielders.

During his 11 years at Central, the Jennies posted a record of 369-208 (.640 winning percentage) and four regular season titles in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

CMSU also won the MIAA Tournament in 1995 and 1997 and went on to a second place finishes in the NCAA regional tournament in each of those years. Central also finished second in two other MIAA Tournaments, including the 2004 event where it eliminated UMR in an 18-inning classic to reach the championship game.