PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation has announced the hiring of Brad Marshall as the new head coach of the Cardinals softball program ahead of the 2027 season.

Marshall takes over the Plattsburgh State program after serving as the team's interim head coach during the summer of 2026. He brings more than a decade of collegiate softball coaching experience, including multiple stints with the Cardinals, as well as extensive experience in player development, recruiting and coaching at the youth level.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Marshall back to Cardinal Country and looking forward to a great year ahead for Cardinal Softball," said Mike Howard, Plattsburgh State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. "His extensive coaching experience, knowledge of the game and pure joy in working with student-athletes will have an immediate impact on our program."

Marshall originally joined the Plattsburgh State softball coaching staff in 2015 and has served multiple stints with the Cardinals, most recently as an assistant coach from July 2024 through May 2026. He previously served as an assistant coach from August 2015 through May 2016 and from October 2021 through June 2022.

During his time with the Cardinals, Marshall has worked closely with student-athletes on all aspects of the game, including pitching, hitting, bunting, base running, situational preparation and defensive development. He has also served as a first- and third-base coach and assisted with practice planning and implementation.

Marshall has played an integral role in recruiting and player identification throughout his coaching career. As an assistant coach at Plattsburgh State, he worked with prospective student-athletes, attended recruiting events and tournaments, evaluated talent and helped develop relationships with recruits and their families.

Prior to his return to Plattsburgh State in 2021, Marshall spent nearly three seasons as an assistant softball coach at SUNY Potsdam from December 2018 through May 2021. His responsibilities included player development, practice instruction, recruiting and player identification, as well as game-day coaching.

Marshall also brings extensive youth softball coaching experience to the position. He served as a head coach with Adirondack Diamonds Jr. Olympic Girls Fastpitch Softball at the 16U and 18U levels from 2008-13, while previously coaching the Malone Girls Softball Travel Team and the Malone Women of the Moose Girls Softball League.

"I am truly honored to be stepping into the head coaching role this season, and for this great opportunity," said Marshall. "Those who know me understand how much SUNY Plattsburgh means to me, and to be able to lead the softball program is an incredible privilege. I would like to thank our athletics administration team, including Mike Howard and Cheryl Cole, for the trust they have placed in me to carry the program forward. I'm excited to continue developing our players, and to build a culture of positivity, passion for the game, support, and teamwork. I've worked with the softball program as an assistant for several years now, and I'm eager to see what the year ahead holds for this talented group of student-athletes."

Marshall's playing background spans more than two decades and includes extensive experience in semi-professional baseball and men's softball throughout the North Country. He played semi-professional baseball in the North Country region for more than 20 years and earned multiple NVBL MVP and Golden Glove Awards between 1984 and 2005. He was also named MVP of the 1996 National ASA Softball Eastern Regional Tournament.

In October 2025, Marshall was inducted into the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his lengthy career and contributions to semi-professional baseball.

Marshall will begin his duties immediately as he becomes the latest head coach to lead the Cardinals softball program.