Caroline Hardy - Assistant Coach - Softball Coaches

Caroline Hardy

Title:
Assistant Coach

Memphis Softball announced the addition of Caroline Hardy as an assistant coach. Hardy played for the University of Alabama softball team from 2015-19. She followed up her college career as a volunteer assistant at Georgia Tech in 2020, as an assistant coach at Young Harris College from 2021-22 and most recently University of California Santa Barbara.

"I'm excited to bring Caroline on staff to continue establishing a winning culture." VanBrakle Prothro remarked. "She is a high energy student of the game who is a great communicator, able to relay both technical and mental concepts as well as promote a positive player experience and meaningful relationships."

Hardy comes to Memphis after spending a year in Santa Barbara where she had primary responsibility for the Gaucho offense. In that role, she developed the most potent offense in the Big West as UCSB led the league in five of six statistical categories; Batting Average (.293), Hits (377), Walks (164) Triples (26) and On-base Percentage (.383). The highest Batting Average and the most RBIs in program history since 2016.

Four Gauchos were given All Big West honors, most notably Ashley Donaldson who finished in the top five of six statistical categories. She would finish with three-times as many extra base hits and two-times the number of RBIs as she's ever had in her career as well as an over 100-point higher Batting Average. Additionally, Maddie McNally was named for the third time in her career, and in her season with Hardy she was crowned the Batting Champion who had the highest Batting Average (.415), as well as most Hits (68) and Runs Scored (44).

Two other Gauchos named to the All-Big West teams were Siegel and Sams who had a combined 31 at bats in their previous seasons. Overall, player batting averages from 2022 to 2023 increased a combined 1,047 points.

In her two-year stint at Divison-II powerhouse Youngs Harris College, Hardy helped lead the Lady Lions to a 57-33 record. Hardy also spent the shortened 2020 season with Georgia Tech, helping led the Yellowjackets to a 12-11 record.

Hardy was recruited by and played for Crimson Tide from 2016-19, while VanBrakle Prothro was a member of the coaching staff. Hardy helped Alabama to an SEC Regular Season Championship in 2019 and two trips to the WCWS in Oklahoma City during her tenure.

"It's hard to express how happy I am to be working for Coach [VanBrakle Prothro]. She is a passionate leader, proven winner and tireless worker who truly values relationships and family." Hardy shared. "I'm thrilled to work beside her and with this team and staff. I want to thank Steph and Executive Associate AD Lauren Ashman for the opportunity and am anxious to help build this program to compete in the AAC and nationally."

Hardy graduated from Alabama with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in sports management.