The Lady T-Birds will not be playing softball in NWAC competition this spring.

The program has been without a head coach since June 2021. After two years of only a handful of games because of COVID, the team’s roster was depleted. Former Coach Jason Evans left after the shortened 2021 season, and Highline only managed to land new Head Coach Kristine Foley two weeks ago. 

That leaves Foley with little time to assemble a team. So they’re now focusing on building toward next year. 

“We’re gonna start slowly and ramp up. We’ll see where the girls’ heads are at. We’ll go through an evaluation process, get some workouts in and time on the field,” said Foley.

Foley brings years of softball experience and success to Highline. She has played and coached softball on a variety of levels throughout her career. She fell in love with softball by watching her sister play. 

In high school, Foley was a three-year starting catcher and select club player.

After high school, Foley transitioned from all-star player to all-star coach at Shoreline Little League. Five years ago, she and a friend established the select softball organization North Seattle Rage. 

“We both had similar stories about playing ball growing up and we wanted a better experience for girls these days. There are so many ways to support an athlete and empower her. I’d love to see more of that coming from coaches,” said Foley.

Highline piqued Foley’s interest when talking with a coach she admired who accepted an offer elsewhere. 

“I thought, if she wanted the job then I know it must be a really good place. It turned out to be a good match,” said Foley. 

The transition from club to the collegiate level is new, but no curveball for Kristine Foley.

“There are many similarities. You recruit players, players find you. Creating a place that people want to be a part of is the most important thing,” said Foley.

Coach Foley said she is excited to bring her coaching style to Highline and help players realize their full potential.

“I hope I’m able to create a softball program at Highline that is known for playing good ball, has an awesome community and at the end of the day, every player feels a little better about themselves,” said Foley. 

Players interested in Highline softball can go to the Highline athletics page or email Coach Foley directly at kfoley@highline.edu.