University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Softball Announces Hiring of Craig Snider
June 09, 2024 | Softball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball head coach Karen Weekly has announced the addition of Craig Snider to the Lady Vols' coaching staff.
One of the nation's premier offensive minds, Snider joins the Big Orange following two seasons as the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
"This position generated a lot of interest, and we could not have found a better fit," Weekly said. "Craig is widely known as one of the best hitting coaches and offensive minds in the game of softball. His track record for developing versatile and dynamic offenses speaks for itself. He is a teacher who loves helping players reach their potential, and his players love working with him. Building strong relationships is key in both recruiting and player development, and Craig has proven to be exceptional in that regard."
From Franklin, Kentucky, Snider took over the helm of the Texas Tech softball program in June of 2022. In just two seasons, he guided the Red Raiders to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2018 and 2019.
TTU had six players selected to All-Big 12 teams this past season in 2024, tying a program record.
During his two seasons in Lubbock, Snider's offensive prowess has helped Tech record the most doubles (181), doubles per game (1.76), home runs (134), home runs per game (1.30), RBIs (562), RBIs per game (5.46) and the highest slugging percentage (.537) over two years in program history. On top of that, 13 Red Raiders combined to set 88 career highs – the most in the country for the 2024 season.
"I would like to thank Coach Weekly, sport administrator Tara Brooks and Director of Athletics Danny White for this incredible opportunity," Snider said. "The ability to check so many boxes for our family is rare in our profession. We are extremely excited to join this storied program and continue the excellence of Tennessee softball.
"I would also like to thank the Texas Tech family for their support over the past two seasons. My family and I have made lifelong friendships and memories in Lubbock that we will always cherish."
Prior to his stint in Lubbock, Snider made stops at Oklahoma, Florida State and Texas A&M where he coached 20 All-Americans and made three Women's College World Series appearances.
In 2018, he helped guide Florida State to a national championship – as the Seminoles defeated Washington in two games to claim the ACC program's first WCWS crown.
During his eight seasons at FSU, he helped the Seminoles to 11 Athletic Coast Conference regular season and tournament championships, seven NCAA Super Regionals and three WCWS appearances.
Snider came to Florida State after four seasons at Stephen F. Austin where he served as the hitting coach for the Ladyjacks from 2007-10. In 2008, he helped SFA to an NCAA Regional appearance after winning the Southland Conference tournament.
Previously, Snider spent the 2005-06 season as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma after stints as an assistant coach at Centenary (2004-05) and Lindsey Wilson College (2001-03).
A 2004 graduate of Centenary, Snider is marrying Stephanie Sanders in June 2024. He has a daughter, Riley, and a son, Henry.
One of the nation's premier offensive minds, Snider joins the Big Orange following two seasons as the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
"This position generated a lot of interest, and we could not have found a better fit," Weekly said. "Craig is widely known as one of the best hitting coaches and offensive minds in the game of softball. His track record for developing versatile and dynamic offenses speaks for itself. He is a teacher who loves helping players reach their potential, and his players love working with him. Building strong relationships is key in both recruiting and player development, and Craig has proven to be exceptional in that regard."
From Franklin, Kentucky, Snider took over the helm of the Texas Tech softball program in June of 2022. In just two seasons, he guided the Red Raiders to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2018 and 2019.
TTU had six players selected to All-Big 12 teams this past season in 2024, tying a program record.
During his two seasons in Lubbock, Snider's offensive prowess has helped Tech record the most doubles (181), doubles per game (1.76), home runs (134), home runs per game (1.30), RBIs (562), RBIs per game (5.46) and the highest slugging percentage (.537) over two years in program history. On top of that, 13 Red Raiders combined to set 88 career highs – the most in the country for the 2024 season.
"I would like to thank Coach Weekly, sport administrator Tara Brooks and Director of Athletics Danny White for this incredible opportunity," Snider said. "The ability to check so many boxes for our family is rare in our profession. We are extremely excited to join this storied program and continue the excellence of Tennessee softball.
"I would also like to thank the Texas Tech family for their support over the past two seasons. My family and I have made lifelong friendships and memories in Lubbock that we will always cherish."
Prior to his stint in Lubbock, Snider made stops at Oklahoma, Florida State and Texas A&M where he coached 20 All-Americans and made three Women's College World Series appearances.
In 2018, he helped guide Florida State to a national championship – as the Seminoles defeated Washington in two games to claim the ACC program's first WCWS crown.
During his eight seasons at FSU, he helped the Seminoles to 11 Athletic Coast Conference regular season and tournament championships, seven NCAA Super Regionals and three WCWS appearances.
Snider came to Florida State after four seasons at Stephen F. Austin where he served as the hitting coach for the Ladyjacks from 2007-10. In 2008, he helped SFA to an NCAA Regional appearance after winning the Southland Conference tournament.
Previously, Snider spent the 2005-06 season as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma after stints as an assistant coach at Centenary (2004-05) and Lindsey Wilson College (2001-03).
A 2004 graduate of Centenary, Snider is marrying Stephanie Sanders in June 2024. He has a daughter, Riley, and a son, Henry.
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.25.25)
Sunday, May 25
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.24.25)
Saturday, May 24
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.23.25)
Friday, May 23
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Ohio State (5.18.25)
Sunday, May 18
