West Liberty University Athletics

Chris Brunson enters his first season as the head coach of the West Liberty University softball program, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and prep levels to the Hilltop. Brunson most recently spent two seasons as the head softball coach at Waynesburg University, compiling a 49-32 overall record. Prior to Waynesburg, he spent six seasons as the head softball coach at Mt. Pleasant High School, where he guided the Vikings to the 2021 PIAA Class 3A state championship after winning the WPIAL district title. Mt. Pleasant also finished as the WPIAL runner-up and advanced to the PIAA state semifinals in 2019. Brunson served as the school's athletic director from 2019-21.

Brunson also brings 14 years of collegiate coaching experience, having served as an assistant baseball coach at his alma mater, California University of Pennsylvania, now PennWest California, from 2001-14. During his tenure, the Vulcans captured PSAC championships in 2004 and 2010, won six divisional championships and made 12 PSAC Tournament appearances, including NCAA Division II Regional appearances in 2007 and 2010. Brunson coached 23 All-PSAC West pitchers and mentored 11 players who went on to play professionally.

A former collegiate pitcher and team captain at California, Brunson led the Vulcans' pitching staff in earned run average and innings pitched as a junior before collecting five victories as a senior. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing from California in 2000, followed by a master's degree in Geography and Regional Planning in 2001 and a master's certificate in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration in 2008.