NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Thursday the hiring of Kailey Anderson as softball head coach. She will begin her duties Oct. 2.
        "We are excited to announce the hiring of Kailey Anderson as our head coach for Xavier softball," said Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Pat Kendrick. "With Kailey's experience as a student-athlete and her coaching experience, we look forward to her continuing to raise the level of one of Xavier's newest programs."
        XULA played its first varsity softball game in 2021 and qualified for the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament in 2022 and 2023.
        Anderson was head coach the past two seasons (2022 and 2023) at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. This past season the Lady Jackets hit a school-record .340, ranking second in the American Southwest Conference and 27th out of 401 NCAA Division III teams. The Lady Jackets closed 2023 strongly, winning 10 of their final 15 games — four victories were shutouts — and hitting .361 with 6.5 runs per game and a 3.20 ERA during that time.
        "I am so grateful for this opportunity for me and my family," Anderson said. "I'm ready to be a part of this special program at Xavier and to work with a supportive athletic staff. I am super-excited that I get to call this program my new home. My goal is to continue making Xavier softball a competitive program while developing future women leaders."
        Anderson played three seasons of softball (2018-20) as an outfielder at Louisiana Tech University. Anderson was a member of Tech's 2019 team that was 45-16, won the Conference USA Tournament and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
        Anderson earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing in three years from Louisiana Tech in 2020 — she made the dean's list multiple times — and a master of science in kinesiology from Texas Woman's University in 2023.
        Anderson grew up in the Dallas suburb of Mesquite, Texas, and was a standout player at Mesquite High School and for Texas Glory Fastpitch Softball Club. She has been involved in the coaching of travel teams since 2015, and since 2020 her Kailey's Kamps have offered focused instruction to aspiring girl athletes.
        Anderson replaces Leslie Ballard, who coached the Gold Nuggets during their first three seasons (2021-23) and resigned in late July.
        XULA will begin its fourth softball season — its third in the RRAC — in late January or early February.

What They're Saying About Kailey Anderson

Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech University softball administrator, play-by-play broadcaster and former publicist
        "Kailey Anderson is one of my all-time favorite people. During her time at LA Tech, Kailey was a great team player and a great teammate. She possessed a wonderful work ethic. I am excited to see her build and lead the Xavier program from the ground up."

Mark Montgomery, former softball head coach at Louisiana Tech University and the University of Maryland
        "Kailey is an outstanding young coach. She is driven and hard working. I have no doubt that Xavier will become a softball power at the NAIA level in a short time."

Chanin Billings, assistant softball coach, South Dakota State University
        "Kailey is one of the best young coaches in the business. She has a great way of connecting with athletes and challenging them to be their best on and off the field. Her playing and coaching experience will bring a lot of knowledge to her athletes. This is a great hire for Xavier!"

Kevin Shelton, leader, Texas Glory Fastpitch Softball Club
        "Texas Glory and I are so proud of Kailey. A Texas Glory girl from age 10, she steadily grew as a player, setting the standard on her club team and at Mesquite High School. She always demonstrated an uncommon level of maturity and dedication to team. Kailey has earned this opportunity, persevering for years, while continuing to contribute to the game and a myriad of young athletes' development. Kailey has a solid track record of success and there is no doubt that she will be successful in this new endeavor!"

Mike Miller, chief technical officer, Texas Glory Fastpitch Softball Club
        "Coach Anderson has a passion for the game of softball that is unmatched. Watching her grow from a young athlete into one of the most extraordinary coaches I've ever worked with has been an honor. I'm certain it won't take much time at all for the staff, the players and the fans at Xavier to feel the same."

Taneshia Burgess, head softball coach, Dallas Christian School
        "Kailey Anderson is an amazing choice for your program. I've never met any coach that works harder for her players. She an amazing teacher and student of the game. She will do great things for Xavier. I look forward to watching her progress."