KEYSER, W.Va. — Chris Greise has been hired as head coach of the WVU Potomac State softball team, Athletic Director Mandi Larkin announced Saturday.
Greise has been involved in the regional softball scene for over a decade. He most recently coached Bishop Walsh to a 60-8 record from 2019-23.
“Coach Greise checks all the boxes for what we were looking for in our next head coach,” Larkin said. “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, a travel team made up of players from Western Maryland and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
He was also involved with the Cumberland Heat, coaching teams from 12U to 18U during his tenure.
He brings leadership experience as the former president of the Cumberland Heat Fastpitch Association, as well as additional coaching experience at Frankfort High School, Frankfort Middle School and the Frankfort Recreational Association.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to coach at Potomac State. I have been a supporter of the team since coach (Jim) 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.”
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 under the direction of Craig Rotruck.
Rotruck resigned from the post in June, citing cuts to the program’s travel budget as the primary reason.
The program has been nationally ranked in preseason and regular season polls and has produced several All-Americans both academically and athletically.
One such All-American 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 1/3 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,” Larkin said. “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.”
Greise is a graduate of Bishop Walsh High School who owns his own business and lives in Ridgeley, West Virginia.