NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara University Associate Vice President for Athletics Simon Gray has announced the hiring of Paul Gray as the head coach of the Purple Eagles softball team

"Paul's energy and enthusiasm for joining the Niagara University community were apparent from the beginning," Simon Gray said,  "We were impressed, both in talking to him and in discussions with those that have worked with him, by his leadership approach and his commitment to the student-athlete.  We look forward to the next era of Purple Eagle softball with Paul at the helm."

Gray most recently served as the Head Coach for the softball program at Thiel University. While at Thiel, Gray coached three all-conference players, and helped lead the team to its first winning season and conference tournament appearance since 2019. He also coached the single-season strike out and career ERA holder at Thiel.

Prior to Thiel, Gray served as the Head Coach at Lasell University-Newton in 2024. He led the team to its first GNAC South Regular Season Championship in program history while coaching the GNAC Player of the Year and six all-conference players.

Gray also served as an Assistant Coach at the University of Rochester in 2023, the Pitching Coach for Hiram College from 2022-2023, and the Head Coach at Cerro Coso Community College from 2021-2022.

Gray got his start coaching softball as an assistant coach at Frank Phillips College where he handled recruitment, summer programs, and fundraising.

"I want to thank the athletics administration for blessing me with this opportunity," said Coach Gray, "I'm really excited and honored to be the next head coach at Niagara University. I can't wait to get on campus and start building a team based on family, hard work and having fun playing a game they love. I'm ready to get to work."

Gray graduated from Kent State in 2020 with a bachelor's of Arts and Science degree in Integrative Studies.

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