On the heels of leading Ole Miss softball to its best season in school history, head coach Mike Smith has received a contract extension, Director of Athletics Ross Bjork announced Tuesday.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with Mike Smith leading our softball program, and we are excited to announce our renewed commitment and that’s he’s our coach for a long time to come,” Bjork said. “Under his guidance, Ole Miss Softball has reached unprecedented levels and we now have the ability to compete on a national scale. His teams have not only given us something to cheer for on the field, but they’ve also shown how strong they are in the classroom and in the community. We can’t wait to see where this program is headed, and we look forward to the great future of Ole Miss Softball under his guidance. The best is yet to come.”

In just two years at the helm of the program, Smith has not only given the Rebels a competitive edge, but helped lead the group to recognition that resonates throughout the softball community.

After what looked to be one of the best season’s ever in Smith’s first year in 2015 (30 wins – tied school record), the 2016 Rebels shattered that and every other win record this past spring.

The first NCAA Tournament appearance, first SEC Tournament win, first team to reach 40 wins, a school record 12-game win streak earlier in the year, school record 20-3 start, and a myriad of huge victories for the program all came in 2016 under Smith’s watch.

“I’m very thankful for receiving this new contract and extension,” Smith said. “I love coaching at the University of Mississippi and living in Oxford, where the community has been wonderful to my family and me. We love it here in Oxford and this is our home, and we are invested in Ole Miss and this great community. I feel we are building something very special here and this commitment by the university is another great step towards ensuring we continue to compete in the SEC and across the country at the highest level.”