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Hays tabbed as Lopes head coach
6/11/2021 2:05:00 PM | Softball
Decorated coach holds 468-180-5 record in 12 years as softball head coach
A proven winner through every step of a decorated coaching career, Shanon Hays was named the second head coach in the history of the Grand Canyon softball program on Friday.
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In 12 seasons as a softball head coach, Hays has racked up 468 career victories (an average of 39 per year) and holds a .721 winning percentage. He remains the winningest coach in the history of Texas Tech's softball program, winning 186 games in his five seasons leading the Red Raiders.
"What a great opportunity GCU has given me to come take over this program and take it to the next level," Hays said. "It's amazing to see where GCU Athletics programs now are on the D-I landscape and how GCU has exploded. I feel very blessed that I'm coming on board during such an exciting time. I'm ready to get to work and excited about this program's future."
Hays has built numerous winning programs and built them fast.
He started the softball program at Lubbock Christian University and led the team to a 58-9-2 record and an NAIA National Championship in the program's inaugural season. Hays inherited a Texas Tech program that was 15-42, and led the Red Raiders to a 38-18 record and an NCAA tournament appearance in his first season in 2010.
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Shanon Hays to the Lopes family," GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "His track record of competitive and immediate success everywhere he has been is remarkable. Coach Hays embraces our Christian mission and is highly respected in the coaching world for winning the right way. We are thrilled to welcome the Hays family to Phoenix."
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Hays has spent the last five seasons in the Division II ranks in successful runs at Colorado Christian and Oklahoma Christian. He caps a three-year run at Oklahoma Christian where he posted a 99-30 record.
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Hays also has five years as a D-I head coach on his resume. He posted winning records in each of his seasons as the head coach at Texas Tech, his alma mater where he played baseball under his father, Larry, from 1988-90. Inheriting a program that went 15-42 in 2009, Hays had the Red Raiders in their first NCAA tournament in a decade by posting a 23-win improvement and going 38-18 in his inaugural season in 2010. Hays was 186-96 during his time at Texas Tech.
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While spending most of the last 15 years in college softball, Hays holds a diverse athletic background prior. He spent seven seasons in men's basketball: leading the Abilene Christian program in the late 1990s, two years as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, and two years as the associate head coach at Houston. He was also the athletic director at Abilene Christian.
Hays made the move from men's basketball to softball in 2006 when he was given the opportunity to start a softball program at Lubbock Christian University. After spending the 2006-07 school year recruiting players and raising funds, the Chaparrals debuted to a 58-9-2 record and an NAIA National Championship. He was named NAIA Coach of the Year. After another successful season at Lubbock Christian (53-7-3), he moved across town to take his first D-I softball head coaching position at Texas Tech.
From a family full of coaching success, Hays' father, Larry, and brother, Daren, are both actively coaching college softball. Larry took over for Shanon as Colorado Christian's head coach and just capped his third season leading the program. Previously, Larry served as the head coach of Texas Tech's baseball program for 21 seasons. Daren recently finished his 10th season leading the Lubbock Christian program.
Hays takes the reins of a Lopes program that has a 216-178 (.548) record in eight D-I seasons and has won WAC regular-season titles in 2014 and 2017.
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Chris Beard, Head Coach, Texas Men's Basketball
"GCU could not have made a better choice. Shanon has had success in everything he's done. He knows talent and he knows softball, but his fit with GCU's Christian mission will be life changing for those fortunate enough to be under his influence."
Glenn Moore, Head Coach, Baylor Softball
"Shanon Hays is a proven winner at all levels of college softball. He will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to GCU."
Kristie Fox, Head Coach, UNLV Softball
"I think Shanon's move to GCU is the perfect fit culture wise for him and his family, but it's an even better fit for the university. From a recruiting standpoint and player development, he has always been one of the best in the business. He is a winner — always has been, always will be."
Nicole Dickson, Head Coach, Stephen F. Austin Softball
"Coach Hays is the ultimate winner on and off the field. He has a genuine heart for Christ, his family and the teams he coaches. I've never met anyone that can connect with student-athletes in a way that gets them to achieve their full potential individually and as a team to compete for championships as quickly as he can. GCU will win at the highest level because of his heart and passion to win the right way."
Grant McCasland, Head Coach, North Texas Men's Basketball
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In 12 seasons as a softball head coach, Hays has racked up 468 career victories (an average of 39 per year) and holds a .721 winning percentage. He remains the winningest coach in the history of Texas Tech's softball program, winning 186 games in his five seasons leading the Red Raiders.
"What a great opportunity GCU has given me to come take over this program and take it to the next level," Hays said. "It's amazing to see where GCU Athletics programs now are on the D-I landscape and how GCU has exploded. I feel very blessed that I'm coming on board during such an exciting time. I'm ready to get to work and excited about this program's future."
Hays has built numerous winning programs and built them fast.
He started the softball program at Lubbock Christian University and led the team to a 58-9-2 record and an NAIA National Championship in the program's inaugural season. Hays inherited a Texas Tech program that was 15-42, and led the Red Raiders to a 38-18 record and an NCAA tournament appearance in his first season in 2010.
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Shanon Hays to the Lopes family," GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "His track record of competitive and immediate success everywhere he has been is remarkable. Coach Hays embraces our Christian mission and is highly respected in the coaching world for winning the right way. We are thrilled to welcome the Hays family to Phoenix."
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Hays has spent the last five seasons in the Division II ranks in successful runs at Colorado Christian and Oklahoma Christian. He caps a three-year run at Oklahoma Christian where he posted a 99-30 record.
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Hays also has five years as a D-I head coach on his resume. He posted winning records in each of his seasons as the head coach at Texas Tech, his alma mater where he played baseball under his father, Larry, from 1988-90. Inheriting a program that went 15-42 in 2009, Hays had the Red Raiders in their first NCAA tournament in a decade by posting a 23-win improvement and going 38-18 in his inaugural season in 2010. Hays was 186-96 during his time at Texas Tech.
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While spending most of the last 15 years in college softball, Hays holds a diverse athletic background prior. He spent seven seasons in men's basketball: leading the Abilene Christian program in the late 1990s, two years as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, and two years as the associate head coach at Houston. He was also the athletic director at Abilene Christian.
Hays made the move from men's basketball to softball in 2006 when he was given the opportunity to start a softball program at Lubbock Christian University. After spending the 2006-07 school year recruiting players and raising funds, the Chaparrals debuted to a 58-9-2 record and an NAIA National Championship. He was named NAIA Coach of the Year. After another successful season at Lubbock Christian (53-7-3), he moved across town to take his first D-I softball head coaching position at Texas Tech.
From a family full of coaching success, Hays' father, Larry, and brother, Daren, are both actively coaching college softball. Larry took over for Shanon as Colorado Christian's head coach and just capped his third season leading the program. Previously, Larry served as the head coach of Texas Tech's baseball program for 21 seasons. Daren recently finished his 10th season leading the Lubbock Christian program.
Hays takes the reins of a Lopes program that has a 216-178 (.548) record in eight D-I seasons and has won WAC regular-season titles in 2014 and 2017.
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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Shanon Hays is a home-run hire. Coach Hays has won at every level with unmatched consistency. He is the ultimate winner. His teams play together with a championship toughness and poise. Coach Hays teaches and coaches through relationships. The Hays family will embrace the university and the campus. Great things are ahead for Grand Canyon softball."Chris Beard, Head Coach, Texas Men's Basketball
"GCU could not have made a better choice. Shanon has had success in everything he's done. He knows talent and he knows softball, but his fit with GCU's Christian mission will be life changing for those fortunate enough to be under his influence."
Glenn Moore, Head Coach, Baylor Softball
"Shanon Hays is a proven winner at all levels of college softball. He will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to GCU."
Kristie Fox, Head Coach, UNLV Softball
"I think Shanon's move to GCU is the perfect fit culture wise for him and his family, but it's an even better fit for the university. From a recruiting standpoint and player development, he has always been one of the best in the business. He is a winner — always has been, always will be."
Nicole Dickson, Head Coach, Stephen F. Austin Softball
"Coach Hays is the ultimate winner on and off the field. He has a genuine heart for Christ, his family and the teams he coaches. I've never met anyone that can connect with student-athletes in a way that gets them to achieve their full potential individually and as a team to compete for championships as quickly as he can. GCU will win at the highest level because of his heart and passion to win the right way."
Grant McCasland, Head Coach, North Texas Men's Basketball
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THE HAYS FILE |
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| Years | School | Position | Sport |
| 2019-21 | Oklahoma Christian | Head Coach | Softball |
| 2016-18 | Colorado Christian | Head Coach | Softball |
| 2010-14 | Texas Tech | Head Coach | Softball |
| 2006-09 | Lubbock Christian | Head Coach | Softball |
| 2004-06 | Houston | Associate Head Coach | Men's Basketball |
| 2003-04 | Midland College | Head Coach | Men's Basketball |
| 2002-03 | Abilene Christian | Athletic Director | |
| 1999-01 | Texas Tech | Assistant Coach | Men's Basketball |
| 1996-99 | Abilene Christian | Head Coach | Men's Basketball |
| 1995-96 | Frank Phillips | Head Coach | Men's Basketball |
| 1993-95 | Lubbock Christian HS | Head Coach | Baseball Boys Basketball |
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