STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton head softball coach Julie Mata added Mark Cumpian as the pitching coach for the TexAnn softball team.

Cumpian graduated from Howard Payne in May 2010 with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science, and he served as a student assistant this past year for HPU head softball coach Jose Mata.

"Not only were we able to bring in someone who knows the game and how to coach fundamentals, but most importantly we got a loyal, hardworking coach when we hired Mark Cumpian,” said the Tarleton head coach.  “He is a highly motivated self-starter who wants to be a part of getting our program to the top.  Our players will benefit tremendously because he is a coach who will practice what he preaches in regard to his work ethic and passion for the game.  

“I knew right away that he was the person for the job because he had already established himself as a guy who goes the extra mile to get the job done, is loyal to his university, athletic department and coaching staff, and he doesn't 'watch the clock'” Mata said.  “He is a good communicator and is already hitting the ground running with recruiting.  He has proven that his knowledge and drive for success are in line with what our program is about and I feel extremely fortunate that he is our new assistant coach."

Before moving to the dugout, Cumpian played baseball for four years at HPU.

“I got a ton of experience this last year at Howard Payne, and to get the opportunity to coach at Tarleton with its storied program is exciting,” Cumpian said. “This is a great program, and Coach Mata does a great job running this program.”

A native of Charlotte, the newest assistant softball coach for the TexAnns graduated from Charlotte High School in 2005. A multi-sport letterman for the Trojans, Cumpian received several awards throughout his high school career including being named a first team all-district selection in both baseball and football.