HALEY CARROLL PROMOTED TO HEAD COACH OF SOFTBALL PROGRAM
The Cleveland State Athletic Department has removed the interim tag and promoted Haley Carroll to the position of head coach of the softball program moving forward this spring. This will be the first head coaching position in her collegiate coaching career.
Following her playing career, Carroll earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Tennessee Wesleyan. She spent two years teaching at a special needs school before dedicating more than 15 years to the foster care program at the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. Those years shaped her coaching philosophy—centered on accountability, empathy, and the belief that attitude and effort are choices made every day.
In 2018, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Carroll felt called to coaching with renewed purpose. While continuing to work with youth through softball camps and volunteer coaching, she joined the Cleveland State staff in a part-time role before accepting a full-time assistant coaching position at Tennessee Wesleyan University. After two successful seasons, she returned to Cleveland State in 2024.
From student-athlete to hall-of-fame honoree to now Head Coach. It's truly a full-circle moment in the most humbling way. "I am so honored and excited to accept the position of Head Softball Coach "I am grateful for the trust and support of AD Suzanne Strudwick, the intire athletic department, and the administration for the opportunity to lead this program. My goal is to build a competitive program grounded in accountability, discipline, and academic excellence, while developing strong relationships with our student-athletes both on and off the field. I am excited to get to work and continue moving CSCC Softball forward." I also look forward to community involvement and giving back.
My philosophy emphasizes attitude, effort, and accountability, with a focus on preparing student-athletes for success beyond the game.
