FARGO, N.D.--North Dakota State University head softball coach Darren Mueller has agreed to a three-year contract extension, formalizing the university’s commitment to his coaching success, leadership and professionalism. Details of the contract are being finalized. The announcement was made today by director of women’s athletics Lynn Dorn.

Mueller led the Bison to their second straight NCAA Regional appearance and Summit League tournament championship during the 2010 season. He has compiled a 321-173 (.652) record in nine seasons as head coach including a 50-14 (.781) record in The Summit League.

“We have had a lot of success and we’re excited about our future. First and foremost, our players are the reason why we have been successful,” said Mueller.

“I want to thank (director of athletics) Gene Taylor and Lynn Dorn for their support and leadership. I am extremely fortunate to have a great staff in Jamie (Trachsel) and Brittany (Weil). I am excited about our future and the direction we are headed.”

Mueller, who has been with the program for 16 seasons, recorded win No. 300 against Wright State (3-12-10) at the Texas A&M Aggie Invitational. The Bison were 33-25 overall and reached 30 wins for the fifth straight season.

“We are extremely pleased that Coach (Darren) Mueller has agreed to a contract extension as the head softball coach for the Bison. His leadership in the success of our softball program is immeasurable,” said Dorn.

“Additionally, Darren’s commitment to the academic achievement of the student-athlete and to the overall philosophy of the Bison athletic program is significant. Associate head coach Jamie Trachsel and pitching coach Brittany Weil compliment Coach Mueller, and as a trio, I am confident that the success of the softball program will continue."

 A 1994 NDSU graduate, Mueller and the staff earned the 2009 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) co-Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year award. That coaching staff directed the Bison to The Summit League tournament championship, the NCAA Division I Norman Region championship and berth in the NCAA Division I Super Regional in the program’s first year of Division I postseason eligibility.

A native of Fargo, N.D., Mueller earned 2008 Summit League Coach of the Year honors, and was also named the 2007 and 2006 Division I Independent Coach of the Year. Since 1995, five players have been named CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and 32 players have earned NFCA Academic Scholar Athlete awards.

Mueller has authored many articles for the NFCA and produced four videos on hitting. He has coached internationally in Holland and Australia with USA all-star teams that have competed against the Dutch National and numerous all-star teams.

Mueller has been active on the local softball scene for more than a decade, and was named to the North American Fastpitch Association all-world tournament team in 2000. He also earned All-American honors in 1996.