Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler has chosen Kirin Kumar to be its newest head coach for Miami Softball.

"I want to thank President Crawford, David Sayler and Breanna Robinson for giving me this opportunity, said Kumar. "It's unique to work for an administration that has such an invested interest not only in the softball program, but the entire athletic department and university.

"I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me through this journey. I have an incredible support system and wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them including my wonderful parents, Vipin and Preeti. It is my intention to continue to build on the foundation that Coach Crowell established on and off the field to Graduate Champions. I'm excited to start this amazing adventure with such a smart and talented group of young women. Rise up RedHawks!"

Kumar spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech. Her first season in Blacksburg in 2019 was a highly successful one, helping VT earn an ACC regular-season title and Coastal Division crown. Specifically working with the infielders defensively, Kumar tutored two all-conference players and an ACC Freshman of the Year honoree, and three NFCA all-region (Mid-Atlantic) selections.

Under her tutelage, the Hokies had the fourth-best fielding percentage (.969) and committed only 47 errors, the fewest in school history. 

Kumar came to Blacksburg following a two-year stint at NC State, helping with hitting with the head coach and being in charge of the team's defense.

She previously served as an assistant at Tulsa from 2014-16. She helped lead the Golden Hurricane to their first American Athletic Conference Tournament title in 2016, defeating a pair of ranked opponents to clinch an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Kumar as the new leader of Miami Softball," said Breanna Robinson, Assistant Athletic Director for Leadership & Diversity. "The vision that she shared regarding leadership and empowering student-athletes to be active agents in fostering a community of accountability and respect stood out to everyone on the search committee. Additionally, Kirin's softball IQ, passion for the game and ability to make teams better set her apart from other candidates, and we're excited to see her continue to build on the success of the Miami softball program."

Under her guidance, three Tulsa players were named to the 2016 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Central Region Team, four to the American Athletic All-Conference first-team, one player on the second-team and two on the all-rookie team. The Golden Hurricane posted the second-best batting average in the conference with a .289 clip and had the fewest strikeouts her final year in the Sooner State.

In 2015, Kumar helped Tulsa finish the year atop the conference in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, runs scored and home runs in addition to several other categories. With her assistance, Julie Kernen set the single-season record for runs batted in with 59 and a total of six players hit .300 or better during the year.

Prior to rejoining the Tulsa softball program, she was an assistant coach at Tennessee Tech for a season, guiding the squad to a 13-3 record in its last 16 contests. From 2012-13, Kumar was the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at WKU.

She helped the Hilltoppers earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 2013, highlighted by winning the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title. With her leadership, the Tops tallied the No. 1 defense in the league, improving the team fielding percentage from .940 to .985.

Kumar began her coaching career at Tulsa in 2005 and remained with the Golden Hurricane until 2010 before accepting a position at North Carolina. She led Tulsa to its first NCAA Regional in 2006 and to the program's first NCAA at-large bid in 2008.

Under her instruction, Lauren Lindsay became Tulsa's first All-American in 2010, compiling a batting average of .377 with 18 home runs, the most in a single season for the program.

The Santa Ana, California native played collegiately at Georgia Tech and was a four-year letter winner for the Yellow Jackets. Kumar saw action in 251 games, which was the second-most in program history when she graduated.

She compiled a batting average of .322 during her senior season and was selected to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2005. Kumar was a part of Georgia Tech's first two ACC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament all four years.