Susan Anderson

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Susan Anderson likes a challenge and the chance to lead her alma mater was just too much to pass up. The former Susan Punzo, a two-time All-America third baseman for the Jennies (1994-97) was named head coach of the Central Missouri State softball program Wednesday. (Story...)

"The biggest thing is, it's so special to go back to my alma mater and coach the program I once played for," Anderson said from Maryville, Mo. in a telephone interview Thursday. "It's a great opportunity. Central has always been known for its strong tradition and I'm excited to guide the program, to get in there and get them going."

Anderson will replace her former coach, Rhesa Sumrell, who retired after 31 years as a head coach, the last 19 at Central Missouri. She comes to the Jennies after four seasons as head coach at MIAA rival Northwest Missouri State.

"Will it be tough to go against Northwest Missouri and try to beat the players I recruited to that program? Sure it will, but I'll be excited to see them." Anderson admitted, adding that the move will benefit her family as well. "The area, not just Central, but Warrensburg has a lot of potential for my husband (Chauncey Anderson) and my entire family."

Former CMSU All-American Susan Anderson (left) and longtime Jennies' head coach Rhesa Sumrell, met prior to a 2004 game between Anderson's Northwest Missouri State squad and CMSU at Jennies Field. (Photo by Dave Kopp)

At Northwest Missouri, Anderson posted a record of 124-96, including a 40-15 mark this season. She shared the MIAA Coach of the Year Award with Sumrell this year after guiding the Bearcats to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1984.

Under Anderson's leadership, the Bearcats recorded three straight 30-win seasons and established the school record for single season wins in each of the past two years.

"So much of it is balance," Anderson noted. "We had a solid defense first, then we were strong throught the lineup one through nine. The big thing was pitching. We were very solid on the mound, but again, it's all about balance."

The Jennies have not been to the postseason since Anderson's senior year, 1997. However, the new coach pointed out that CMSU has consistently topped the 30-win plateau during that time which indicates the program's continuing strength.

"We want to build off of that, get those regional bids and have a chance to advance," Anderson said. "It all comes back to strong leaders and we have those girls in the program. They're going to know that I expect a lot out of them. That's the challenge, We want to develop leaders and build around them."

Meanwhile, Anderson is trying to tie up loose ends as she prepares to leave Northwest Missouri and begin her tenure at CMSU. She expects to officially take over the Jennies July 5.