JACKSON - Millsaps College has announced the hiring of Roland Rodriguez as its new softball coach for the upcoming 2007 season. Rodriguez succeeds Joe Kinsella, who after seven years with the Majors, took the job as head softball coach at Lake Forest College in Chicago, Ill.

Rodriguez comes to Millsaps after six seasons as the head coach at Trinity University – also a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference – in San Antonio, Texas.

Rodriguez compiled a record of 156-97 (.617) during his years with the Tigers, the most wins by any active coach in SCAC softball history. Trinity won four SCAC championships during his six years at the helm, including four NCAA playoff appearances and their best regional finish of third place in 2005. That season, the Tigers also enjoyed the programs first ever Top 25 ranking in the NFCA's final poll as they ended the year ranked No. 19.

“I'm excited of the possibilities here at Millsaps College,” Rodriguez said. “While at Trinity, we had some great battles and I always had great respect for the competitiveness of the players here at Millsaps. I look forward to working with new players and hopefully we can create an atmosphere that will lead to something very special with Lady Majors Softball. I'm also excited about recruiting in a new region, so hopefully our enthusiasm and commitment will make some noise on the recruiting trails and lead quality student/athletes to our campus here in Jackson.”

The Lady Majors finished the 2006 season with a record of 12-28 and return five starters among six letter winners. The 2007 season opener is a home doubleheader on Feb. 10 against Texas College.