JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Southern Head Softball Coach Hallie Blackney announced Wednesday the addition of MSSU softball alumna Lauren Fuller as assistant coach. Fuller joins the Lions' staff as associate head coach Lexi Kinnaird is stepping away from coaching to focus on building a family.
 
"I feel extremely blessed to have worked with Lexi," Blackney said of having Kinnaird on staff the past two seasons. "She came into our program at the perfect time, and MSSU Softball will always be better because Coach Lexi was a part of it. We will miss Lex, but she will never be a stranger to our program. We wish her nothing but the best in all she does."
 
With Kinnaird on staff, the Lions registered consecutive postseason appearances including a World Series berth in 2026 following MIAA Regular Season and Tournament titles.
 
"There aren't really words to fully express what it has meant to me to be a part of Missouri Southern Softball over the last two years," Kinnaird said of reflecting on her experience at MSSU. "Everyone welcomed me with open arms from the first day I walked in. I'm thankful to have worked with a team that was willing to do what it took to put the team first and work towards a common goal together. I'm thankful to Hallie for allowing me to take over the pitching staff and putting her trust in me. She has proven she can build a culture worth being in and I feel lucky I got to learn from her and be a small piece of it. It's been a whole lot of fun and I can't wait to continue to cheer on MSSU Softball as a fan now."
 
Kinnaird had a hand in finding the next softball assistant coach at Missouri Southern. During the application process, Fuller stood out because of her familiarity with the Lions program as well as her experience coaching pitchers.
 
"When it came time to hire our next assistant coach, our culture and the right fit were at the top of our priorities," Blackney said of having Fuller return to MSSU. "Lauren understands who we are and what MSSU Softball is about, and we are thrilled to welcome her back. Coach Lo's team first mentality, passion for the game, work ethic, and ability to develop pitchers will help us continue our quest to be the best version of ourselves on and off the field. We are proud of our past and excited for the future of Southern Softball."
 
Fuller returns to her alma mater after serving as pitching coach for the Joplin High School softball team. The Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, native, was a member of the Lions' pitching corps in both 2024 and 2025.
 
"Missouri Southern gave me some of the best experiences of my softball career, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return as an assistant coach," Fuller said of joining the MSSU staff. "Wearing this program's jersey for two years was an honor, and now I am looking forward to helping and supporting our student-athletes both on and off the field. I am excited to return to a place I consider home and to be part of the Lion family once again."

Fuller will coach the MSSU pitchers, a position group she is very well acquainted with, having spent two seasons as a Lions' pitcher. She joins the Missouri Southern staff ahead of the 2027 season with a familiarity with both the scheme and culture.
 
Before transferring to MSSU, Fuller was a dual threat in the circle and in the batter's box on the Neosho County Community College softball team.
 
Fuller, an MIAA Academic Honor Roll selection, graduated from Missouri Southern State University with her bachelor's in psychology.