(July 23, 2025) MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Karlee Coughlin, recently named head coach of the Yuba College softball team, has been honored as the California Junior College Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
The award recognizes outstanding performance and leadership among assistant coaches in collegiate softball. Coughlin, who has played a key role in Yuba College’s recent successes, credited her team and fellow staff members for the achievement.
“It is an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work our team and staff have put in,” said Coughlin. “I cannot take all the credit as our pitching staff worked extremely hard and well together to make this achievement possible. All I can say is I am blessed and thankful for the opportunity.”
Coughlin was recently approved as Yuba College’s head softball coach, stepping into the role after serving under former head coach Brian Seva.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue what we have built at Yuba, it really is something special,” Coughlin said. “I have big shoes to fill following Brian Seva, but I have had him and Stefanie Danna as mentors, and I couldn’t have been more lucky to have them to learn from.”
Coughlin brings years of experience as both a player and a coach. She began coaching in 2019 in Minot, North Dakota, leading a local travel team and a high school program before returning to California in 2021. Since then, she has coached at Sutter Union High School, launched her own softball training business for youths and contributed to Yuba College’s continued growth as a softball powerhouse.
A former collegiate athlete herself, Coughlin was a two-year starter at both Southern Oregon University and Minot State University.
“My love for the game naturally led me into coaching,” she said.
Erick Burns, Yuba College director of kinesiology, health and athletics, expressed confidence in Coughlin’s leadership.
“We are very excited for her to take over the softball program to continue with what she helped build,” Burns said. “When she was brought on as an assistant it was evident right away the asset she would be to the program with her softball IQ, her competitiveness, her awareness and connection to the softball talent in the community.”
As head coach, Coughlin aims to build on Yuba College’s success while emphasizing a competitive and supportive culture.
“My goals are to continue to build a strong, competitive culture, focus on player development in both the classroom and on the field, and to continue to be conference champions and make it to the playoffs,” she said.
About Yuba College
Yuba College is committed to providing equitable student learning and success. We offer degree and certificate programs leading to career and transfer opportunities for our diverse communities. It is our vision to provide innovative and student-centered educational opportunities and services that are equitable and that empower students to become transformative and productive members of our communities.