Massey, Emerson to Lead Bethel Softball Program

July 15, 2025 | McKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University has announced a new coaching duo to lead its women’s softball program, welcoming Craig Massey as head coach and alumna Shanta Emerson as assistant coach.

Massey, a 2013 Bethel graduate and former NAIA All-American shortstop, brings a wealth of experience from a 13-year professional baseball career, most recently serving as a player-coach for the Florence (Kentucky) Y’alls. He also coached at Jackson State Community College and runs Massey Athletics, a youth training facility in Alamo, Tennessee.

“I’m beyond grateful and humbled for the opportunity to serve as head softball coach,” Massey said. “My goal is to build a Christ-centered culture where we pursue excellence, grow in faith, and glorify God in everything we do.”

Emerson, a 2014 Bethel graduate and former Lady Wildcat, joins the staff after coaching at the high school level and working with local leagues. She also returns to the athletic department as Associate Sports Information Director.

“I look forward to working with Coach Massey and see good things in the future for our program,” Emerson said.

Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley praised both hires. “Craig brings a wealth of talent and knowledge, and Shanta has great passion for student-athletes. They’ll be a great team.”

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Matthew Gore

Matthew H. Gore is a historian and journalist with a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the past. He holds a BA in History, a BA in Journalism, and an MA in History, all from Western Kentucky University, which honored him with their prestigious James H. Poteet Award. He also pursued doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky. Gore has contributed extensively to both academic and popular publications, specializing in religious history, particularly within the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition. He is best known for his book The History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Kentucky to 1988 (2000), and his work has also ranged widely, covering subjects as diverse as The Origin of Marvelman (a British superhero of the 1950s and 1960s), the relative scarcity of East German philatelics, and the biography of British pulp artist Denis McLoughlin. Gore has spent much of his career in service to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he holds key roles in communications, historical preservation, and publishing. Since 2018, he has served as editor of the Cumberland Presbyterian magazine for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church A past president of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, Gore is widely recognized for his leadership in archival work and his passion for sharing the narratives of faith communities with broader audiences.
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