Genee McRath enters her fourth season as head coach of the Tennessee State University softball team in 2024-25, continuing to build a program that has experienced a resurgence under her leadership.
McRath was hired by TSU as an assistant coach in the fall of 2019 and took over as head coach before the 2022 season. In her first year as head coach, McRath led the Tigers to a 15-39 overall record and a 6-22 mark in conference play. The 2023 season saw a significant improvement as TSU finished with a 22-26-1 overall record and a 12-11 conference record, marking the program's first 20+ win season since 2007. The Tigers also secured their first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Tournament appearance in 20 years and earned the program’s first-ever OVC Tournament victory.
In 2024, McRath’s squad continued its upward trajectory, finishing with a 26-25 overall record and a 15-10 mark in conference play. The Tigers placed third in the OVC, securing the program’s first-ever first-round bye in the OVC Tournament. TSU recorded two wins in the tournament, marking the school’s first back-to-back 20+ win seasons since 2006-07. The Tigers also boasted seven players batting over .300 in conference play and ranked third in the nation in triples. One player ranked among the top 20 nationally in triples and triples per game.
McRath’s achievements in just three seasons have already placed her second all-time in career wins at TSU. She holds the second and third most single-season wins in program history and is the first coach to guide TSU to an OVC Tournament win.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, McRath played softball for the Rebels from 2002-2006 and earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and English. During her time at Ole Miss, she served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she represented 450 student-athletes and led community service and career development initiatives.
McRath’s coaching journey began as a volunteer assistant at LeMoyne-Owen College in 2008 before taking on head coaching roles at Kirby High School in Memphis and St. Cecilia High School in Nashville. She also served as an assistant coach at Battle Ground Academy and Ensworth Academy before joining TSU.
McRath was selected to the 2023 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Known for her expertise in hitting, throwing, fielding, catching, and base-running, McRath has also been heavily involved in player development, preparing athletes both physically and mentally for success on and off the field.
