WEST HAVEN, Conn. – A long-time coach in the state of Connecticut, Kelly Paterson has been named the eleventh softball coach in the 48-year history of the program as announced by Interim Director of Athletics Jon Mays. Paterson comes to New Haven after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Southern Connecticut State University for the past seven seasons.

"I am excited to welcome Kelly to Charger Nation," said Mays. "Her familiarity with the Northeast-10 Conference and the tradition of success at New Haven will allow for a seamless transition as she steps in to lead our program. I look forward to watching our student-athletes succeed under her leadership on and off the field."

During her tenure with the Owls, Paterson assisted with the coordination of practices, games, and on and off campus recruiting and scouting efforts. During practice sessions, she was responsible for conducting drills and instructing student-athletes primarily working with hitters and fielders.

In addition to her work at Southern Connecticut, Paterson has also served as the Director of Softball Operations for the Connecticut Eliminators AAU Program since 2018, while also serving as the head Coach for the CT Eliminators since 2013. Prior to joining the Owls coaching staff, she served as an assistant coach at Berlin High School for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Paterson received her Bachelor of Science in history and social sciences from Eastern Connecticut where she was also a four-year member of the Warriors softball team. She helped lead the Warriors to four-straight Little East Conference (LEC) Championships in 2010, 2011,2012and 2013, while making NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

For her success on the field, she was named LEC All-Conference First Team in 2012 and 2013, Third Team All-Region in 2013 and an ECAC All-Star in 2013.

Paterson also holds a Master of Science in sport management from Southern Connecticut.