Scott Southard begins his seventh season with Southeast Missouri State and his third season as the team's Associate Head Coach. He serves as the team's hitting and fielding instructor, travel coordinator as well as overseas the program's recruiting efforts. His additional duties included but were not limited to organizing community service events, monitoring academic progress, ordering and purchasing equipment, tracking and maintaining budget, aid in fundraising and scheduling.
An NCAA certified D-I recruiter the last eight seasons, Southard has signed over 80 national and international student athletes who have gone on to successful collegiate and post-collegiate careers.
Southard has also helped provide a strong defense to the Southeast squads over the last six years. Year in and year out his teams have ranked amongst the OVC leaders in fielding.
In Southard's tenure at Southeast, he has produced such All-Americans as Justin Christian, Zack Borowiak, Clemente Bonilla, Brad Beatty, and Jeremy Johnson. Christian is one of the top prospects in the New York Yankees Minor League system.
Alltogether he has coached eight All-Americans, eight All-South Region selections and 38 All-OVC selections during his time at Southeast. Additionally 16 of his players have moved on to the professional level at various Major League clubs.
Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Southard's first coaching assignment was with his alma mater South Alabama from 1998-99. While an assistant with the Jaguars, he coached infielders, hitters and served as the first base coach. Southard also served out duties as a graduate assistant, while pursuing his degree in exercise physiology.
Southard began his collegiate playing career in 1991 with the Jaguars. A three-year All-Sun Belt and 1993 All-Region shortstop, he helped lead South Alabama to the 1992 Sun Belt Championship and three NCAA Regional appearances.
In his junior season, Southard was drafted in the 15th round by the Florida Marlins. He spent his first year with the Marlin's New York-Penn League team. Southard then went to Florida's Midwest League Single A organization. His third year he played with Florida's State League Class A. Southard has also been part of the Marlins Big League Spring Training.
Southard completed his degree from South Alabama in physical education in 1997.
Southard and his wife Jo reside in Cape Girardeau and are the proud parents of their 1-year old daughter Molly Jo and newborn son Kleet.
