The outfield of Bailey Park, KSU’s softball field Photo Credit: Zaire Breedlove
Kennesaw State softball parted ways with former head coach Tripp Mackay in early May and has yet to find a replacement.
It has been well over three months since one of KSU’s most historic athletic programs had an occupant in its most important role. On May 5, the university announced it would be parting ways with Mackay, who had overseen a consistent decline in success following 2020’s conference-best 21-4 campaign.
It should be noted that Mackay’s contract was not terminated, but rather the university chose not to renew it.
Players reported to campus on Aug. 15, shortly before the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, without a full-time head coach.
The failure to fill the position could spell ruin for any hopes of a successful season for the team. The program has been without a coach throughout the entirety of the high school contact period portion of the recruiting calendar which spans from Aug. 1-10, as well as the NCAA transfer portal window.
With the program losing several key contributors to the the transfer portal including standout pitcher Emma Friedel and key infielder Lexie Shaver to South Carolina, finding new talent to fill out the roster is expected be an uphill battle for the eventual next head coach.
KSU has been contacted for a statement regarding the situation, and open records requests have been filed for an up-to-date roster, communication between Overton and the current team and additional information. The university is yet to respond.
According to multiple sources close to the program, Overton met with the remaining roster earlier this week and informed the players of the status of the search.
Former assistant coach Crystal Hampton is currently listed as the program’s interim head coach, but does not appear to be in consideration to retain the role.
