Edwards named head softball coach

MARS HILL, N.C. - Alissa Edwards has been named the new head softball coach at Mars Hill University, announced by Director of Athletics Rick Baker.

Edwards joins Mars Hill after serving as the head softball coach at the University of Maine at Presque Isle since 2019. Last year, Edwards also served as the Senior Woman Administrator, Retention Coordinator, and SAAC Advisor. She was also an adjunct faculty member as an instructor of exercise science, teaching two classes since 2021.

She was named the North Atlantic Conference Softball Coach of the Year in 2021 while serving as the conference's Vice Chair from 2021-2022. She then served as the Chair, beginning last fall. She also is a member of Women Leaders in College Sports.

"Alissa is a perfect fit to lead our softball program," Baker stated. "We are excited to welcome her to the Mars Hill family. Her experience, knowledge of the game, and her competitive drive will lead our team to excel in the future both on and off the field."

Edwards was a star softball player at UMPI. In 2018, she was named an USCAA Academic All-American and during her junior year, was recognized with the Al Arman "Make a Difference" award. Her senior season saw her be awarded the Stanley Small Coaches Award.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Mars Hill family," Edwards said. "With the South Atlantic Conference being highly competitive, I look forward to continuing the growth and successes of the MHU Softball program." 

She graduated from UMPI in 2019 with a bachelor of science degree in athletic training. She obtained her master's degree in organizational leadership in May, also from UMPI.

Edwards added, "I'm excited to start working with all of the softball student-athletes to continue to help them grow academically and athletically."