MU extends softball coaches' contract

Missouri softball coach Ehren Earleywine has signed a 5-year contract extension, keeping the Jefferson City native with the Tigers through the 2013 season.

"There are a lot of coaching jobs across the country, but I can say without hesitation that Missouri is my dream job," Earleywine said in a release.

In his second season with the team, Earleywine led Missouri to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Super Regional this past May.

"We are so pleased with the progress of our softball program under the direction of coach Earleywine," Missouri Director of Athletics Mike Alden said. "He is positioning us for great success both immediately as well as in the future."

That success is not just limited to the field. Earleywine's team has been strong academically, with six members of the squad earning Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2007. In addition, Buford, Ga., native Rhea Taylor became the program's first All-American since 2003, receiving the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award last season.