Former Cal Poly standout named new softball head coach at CR

Aug 2 2024

“I’m truly honored and very excited to be appointed as the new CR coach,” she said. “I met with the players. We had dinner and we talked about next season.”

Harris will have her work cut out for her just building a complete roster for next season, with just five players currently committed, including four returning players and St. Bernard’s senior Kiara McGinnis, who recently signed a letter of intent to play for the Corsairs.

She has reached out to the local high school teams, but this year there is a small outgoing senior class, something that could be a lingering result of the COVID years.

But Harris is already hitting the recruiting trails and the Rocklin native has been looking at some options in the Sacramento area to add to the roster.

“Right now, I’m just eager to hit the ground running and help elevate the program,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to it and hopefully getting better and continuing the growth.”

Harris has an impressive background in collegiate softball, having played for six years at Cal Poly Humboldt, most recently in 2023, as well as 12 years with a top travel ball team from Sacramento. 

She holds records in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for career stolen bases and runs scored and had a career batting average of .371. 

Her accomplishments include the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and NFCA All-America honor.

College of the Redwoods Athletic Director Bob Brown believes Harris is the right choice for a program that has shown some growth in recent years under the guidance of Valente.

“Harris’ background in playing collegiate softball for the Humboldt program, where she gained many accolades, speaks for itself regarding her understanding of the game and versatility you need to become a head coach,” he said in a press release. “We feel fortunate to be able to provide her the opportunity to lead the program.

“Being a part of the community for the past seven years will enable great relationships with the local players and coaches.”

A busy Harris is also currently pursuing a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration at Concordia University Irvine, with graduation expected in 2025.

And she says she is grateful for the opportunity to begin her collegiate coaching career at CR.

“I just want to give a thank you to Bob Brown for entrusting me with this role and giving me the opportunity and believing in me,” she said.

This year the CR women finished 11-25 overall and 8-12 in the Golden Valley Conference.