Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) Executive Director of Athletics Taylor Franks announced today that the college has hired Kevin Connell as its new head softball coach.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Connell to the Patriots,” said Franks. “Throughout the search process, Coach Connell demonstrated a clear vision for building a competitive program that is centered on development and character. He brings a tremendous amount of passion and expertise that I believe will elevate our student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.”
Connell comes to the college from Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he served as associate head softball coach and played an important role in the program's success since 2016. Connell helped his teams reach the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) tournament in eight of the past nine seasons and top 40 wins in three of the past four seasons, a program record. Connell was named the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II.
Connell comes to NWSCC ready to get to work and help build the softball program into something special.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the next head softball coach at Northwest Shoals Community College,” Connell said. “Leaving Northeast Mississippi Community College after nine unforgettable seasons is not easy. I am forever grateful for my time there. As I begin this new chapter, I couldn’t be more excited to lead the Patriots softball program. My purpose is to build a culture centered on hard work, accountability, and family while developing young women on and off the field. I look forward to embracing the community, building relationships, and competing for championships the right way.”
Patriots student-athletes can officially report to campus for team activities on August 8. Fall classes begin August 20.