DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University named Anna Coleman '22/'24 as the next softball head coach of the Cougars' program on Thursday.

A four-year starter for the Cougars from 2019-22, Coleman spent the last two seasons as Averett's assistant coach and continued to assist the program after finishing her graduate assistantship while transitioning into a new role as the assistant coordinator of athletics operations this past August. In addition to her duties as softball head coach, Coleman will continue to serve in an administrative role as the administrative coordinator for the department of athletics.

"I am grateful and excited to be named the softball head coach at Averett," Coleman said. "As a former student-athlete and assistant coach here, I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue the growth and success of this program. I look forward to leading this talented group of student-athletes and am committed to ensuring continued success both on and off the field. I would like to thank Director of Athletics Danny Miller for this incredible opportunity and for trusting me to lead the softball program moving forward."

A catcher from nearby Yanceyville, North Carolina, Coleman earning USA South All-Conference East Division First Team honors in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, during her career, Coleman earned USA South Rookie of the Week once and helped Averett advance to the 2019 USA South Tournament championship as a freshman. Coleman finished her career with a .349 batting average after hitting a career-high .384 as a senior. She also totaled 128 hits, 27 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 65 runs batted in and 61 runs scored in 115 career games while making 113 career starts for Averett. A three-year captain, Coleman was named a co-recipient of Averett's Senior Female Athlete of the Year in 2022 and earned USA South Academic All-Conference honors. Coleman also was a member of Averett's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Captains and Leaders meetings.

"During her time as a student-athlete, assistant coach and administrator, Anna has displayed tremendous leadership and a knowledge for the game," Miller said. "We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make on the lives of our student-athletes and within our softball program moving forward."

Coleman now leads her alma mater, which has a history of success on the softball diamond. The program has notched four conference titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances — with two conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances since 2015 and six All-America selections since 2014.

Averett opens the 2025 season at home against Salem College on Feb. 16.