Former Texas Longhorns Star Pitcher Mac Morgan Joins UTSA Softball Staff as Roadrunners’ New Pitching Coach

In a significant move for both programs, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) softball team has landed a major hire with the addition of former Texas Longhorns pitcher Mac Morgan as their new pitching coach. The announcement signals a turning point for the Roadrunners and adds another chapter to the growing influence of Texas softball alumni in coaching ranks across the country. Morgan, known for her poise in the circle and leadership on and off the field, brings not only elite-level experience but also an energy that is expected to make an immediate impact on UTSA’s trajectory.

Morgan’s transition from the player’s circle to the coaching box comes just months after she wrapped up a successful collegiate career that spanned stops at Arizona State and Texas. At both programs, she left her mark as a steady presence on the mound. At Arizona State, she emerged as one of the top freshmen in the nation and continued that trend when she transferred to Texas, becoming a key member of the Longhorns’ pitching staff during deep NCAA tournament runs.

While at Texas, Morgan gained national attention for her competitive drive, work ethic, and resilience. She posted impressive numbers in both ERA and strikeouts, often matching up against some of the country’s toughest hitters in Big 12 play and postseason action. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver in clutch situations helped define her time in burnt orange. The leap to coaching is a natural one, and it didn’t take long for programs to realize the value she could offer in a leadership role.

UTSA head coach Ashley Wade expressed excitement about the hire, describing Morgan as “a fierce competitor, a student of the game, and someone who embodies everything we want our student-athletes to emulate.” Wade noted that Morgan’s background in high-level competition and her ability to connect with younger pitchers made her the ideal candidate to develop UTSA’s pitching staff into a conference contender. “Mac brings both a modern understanding of pitching mechanics and an old-school toughness that’s hard to teach,” Wade added. “She’s exactly what this program needs as we take the next step.”

Morgan’s arrival couldn’t come at a more crucial time for the Roadrunners, who are looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025 season. UTSA struggled with consistency in the circle last year, with their team ERA ranked near the bottom of the American Athletic Conference. With Morgan’s experience at elite programs and her ability to mentor pitchers at every stage of their development, UTSA hopes to reverse that trend and compete more effectively within the AAC.

For Morgan, coaching is more than just the next step—it’s a passion rooted in her own experience as a student-athlete. In a statement released by the university, she spoke of her excitement to begin this new chapter. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join UTSA and work with such a dedicated group of athletes and coaches,” Morgan said. “The game of softball has given me so much, and I’m excited to give back by helping young pitchers grow not just on the field, but as leaders and teammates.”

Morgan’s journey to the coaching ranks underscores the continued growth of softball at the collegiate level and the increasing presence of former stars choosing to remain in the sport after their playing days are over. Her commitment to developing the next generation of talent mirrors a broader trend across college athletics: young, recently retired athletes returning to programs in leadership positions and bridging the generational gap between old-school and new-school approaches.

One of the biggest strengths Morgan brings to UTSA is her understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. During her time at Texas, she pitched against some of the nation’s best offenses and contributed to wins in high-stakes moments. That kind of mental toughness is hard to teach, but as a coach, Morgan will be in a unique position to instill that same grit and confidence into a UTSA staff looking to turn the corner.

Additionally, her exposure to elite-level coaching during her years in the Big 12 and Pac-12 gives her a wide-ranging perspective on pitching strategy, game preparation, and player development. At Texas, she worked under head coach Mike White, a former professional pitcher and one of the most respected names in college softball. Morgan was often praised for her ability to absorb information and adjust quickly, making her a standout student of the game. It’s expected that those lessons will now influence her coaching philosophy as she helps build UTSA’s future.

Recruiting is another area where Morgan’s influence could pay dividends. Her name recognition and recent playing experience are likely to resonate with recruits and parents alike. As someone who has navigated the recruiting process herself, transferred between elite programs, and thrived in both, Morgan can offer firsthand guidance that few other young coaches can match. Her story becomes a testament to perseverance and adaptability—qualities that any program would want in its student-athletes.

For the Roadrunners, this move is part of a broader investment in program development. The hiring of Morgan follows recent improvements in training facilities and a renewed emphasis on competing at the highest level in the AAC. UTSA’s administration has made it clear that softball is a priority, and bringing in someone of Morgan’s pedigree reinforces that message.

Beyond the wins and losses, Morgan’s hire is also a cultural win for UTSA. Her leadership style is rooted in accountability, teamwork, and growth—values that align with what UTSA wants to build. During her collegiate career, she was often seen mentoring younger pitchers and leading huddle discussions, even when she wasn’t the starting pitcher. Those qualities, often overlooked in stat sheets, are the intangibles that Morgan is expected to bring in spades.

Though she’s young by coaching standards, Morgan already carries herself with the poise and professionalism of a seasoned veteran. That blend of youth and maturity could be a game-changer for a UTSA program hungry for stability and consistency in the circle. The players will likely gravitate to a coach who not only understands their experiences but has lived them recently and succeeded through them.

Looking ahead, expectations for UTSA softball are beginning to shift. With Morgan on board and a core of promising pitchers returning, the Roadrunners hope to take a significant leap in 2026. Though building a pitching staff takes time, especially in a conference as competitive as the AAC, the foundation appears to be in place. Morgan’s presence is likely to accelerate that development.

In many ways, this new role at UTSA serves as both a beginning and a continuation for Morgan. It’s the next evolution of a career that has always been defined by grit, excellence, and a deep love for the game. As she trades her jersey for a clipboard and headset, the softball world will be watching—expecting not just results but a rising coaching star with the pedigree to leave a lasting legacy.

For UTSA, the hiring of Mac Morgan represents a bold move, one grounded in potential, experience, and vision. And for Morgan, it’s a homecoming of sorts—staying in Texas, close to the community that shaped her, and stepping confidently into the future of collegiate coaching.