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Extra Inning Softball continues to highlight the small, but fierce, group of female club directors across the country. Rachel Coleman is a great example of a life filled with softball from her younger days in Little League to winning a state championship in high school to unfortunately having her college career cut short due to an injury. Coleman knows the highs and lows as a player and as a coach at multiple levels. Her insight and experience are second to none and we are excited to share her journey on how she became a club director.
Sharing the perspective and journey of strong women like Coleman is another example of carrying out our EIS2.0 initiative. Drawing attention to leaders in our sport EMPOWERS others to take those steps towards achieving their dreams. As our followers see more and more stories of leaders and high achievers we hope to INSPIRE others to dare to take the path less traveled. Highlighting leaders in every aspect of the game and using our platform to share we offer SUPPORT for others who aspire to be leaders in growing the sport. At Extra Inning Softball we want our content to expand the possibilities of what can be in the minds of players, parents, and coaches.
How did you get started as a Travel/Club Director?
I started off as a Division I coach for five years and transitioned into coaching travel ball in the Northeast under a well-known travel organization. I was able to build our team to be one of the best in the country. I’ve known Philip Belfield for years as I was recruiting his daughter, Kaylyn, when I was coaching at the University of Delaware. He called me to ask if I would be willing to take over the Stars Organization, as he was ready to transition out to focus more on family. He stayed on board and coached with me in 2021-2022 as we won the Junior Olympic Cup together. When I took over in Fall 2021, we had four Stars teams and currently, we have over 50 teams. I am blessed to be able to support so many players, parents and coaches.
Who inspired you the most in your softball career and why?Â
I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many inspirational people that have poured into me as a woman, coach and entrepreneur. Coach Minch and Coach Morgan, two of my first Little League (PVLL) coaches really introduced me to the game in a way that caused me to fall in love with it. They were able to combine learning, fun, and winning. Our Little League team took that mindset into high school and brought home a state title under the leadership of Coach Bacon.  Scott Whitlock, a Hall of Famer and former coach at Kennesaw State, taught me a lot about the game from a coaching perspective. After suffering a career ending injury, Whitlock gave me my first opportunity in the college coaching world as his volunteer assistant coach. His hard-nosed, go hard or go home approach was something I was drawn to. Paying attention to the details and focusing on improving the little things has helped to inform my own coaching style and the way I run my businesses.  Finally, I was grateful that Ralph and Karen Weekly gave me the opportunity to be a graduate assistant at Tennessee for two years. There, I learned the little details of what it took to win. I spent a lot of time with Karen in the film room and really learned how to break down mechanics, scout an opponent, and build a winning game plan week in and week out. I am grateful to be part of the staff that went to the Women’s College World Series in 2015.
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