Missouri has hired Larissa Anderson and will name her as the program’s new head coach, JWOS has learned exclusively. Sources confirmed that Anderson has signed a five-year deal to be the Tigers’ new leader.
Anderson had been the head coach at Hofstra for the past four seasons, collecting an overall record of 130-73-1. In her first three years at the helm, she led the Pride to an NCAA tournament berth and two appearances in the Colonial Athletic Association championship.
In 2018, Anderson led Hofstra to a 41-14 record, including a 17-4 mark in conference play. The Pride finished second in the conference’s regular-season standings, but played well in the CAA tournament and earned the tournament’s championship and automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Placed in the Columbia, South Carolina regional, the Pride nearly beat host South Carolina in an elimination game before a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 7th inning gave the Gamecocks the victory.
The Pride’s season included victories over Florida State; Kennesaw State; Florida Gulf Coast; and Texas Tech, as well as an 11-inning 1-0 loss to Oregon.
Prior to being named the Hofstra head coach, Anderson served as an assistant with the program for thirteen seasons under Bill Edwards and was also previously an assistant coach at LIU Post.
Reached by phone, Anderson told JWOS in a statement, “This has been one of the most emotional days of my life. I’ve spent 20 years being a part of the Hofstra family. I grew up in blue and gold. And to say good-bye to everyone who has been a part of this journey is bittersweet. I’ve had amazing experiences and opportunities while at Hofstra. I can’t thank Hall of Fame coach Bill Edwards enough for taking a chance on me when I was a young kid. This has allowed me to be a part of winning twelve conference championships and competing in twelve NCAA regionals. But none of this would’ve been possible if it wasn’t for Jeff Hathaway to lead this program the last four years. I am so proud of the players who wear the Hofstra uniform. And know they will continue to do great things. I’m excited for this new journey at Mizzou and will always take Hofstra with me wherever I go. I’m proud to have been their coach and will always hold a special place in my heart for The Pride!
“I’d like to thank Jim Sterk for the opportunity to be the next head coach at Missouri. I also want to thank Gina Fogue and the past coaching staff for leading this program this past year back to the NCAA tournament. Our future is very bright at Mizzou and I’m excited to get to work.”
