Columbia State Names Samantha King As Head Softball Coach

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Pictured (left to right): Katie Willingham, Columbia State director of athletics; Samantha King, Columbia State head softball coach; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; and Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president of student affairs.
Pictured (left to right): Katie Willingham, Columbia State director of athletics; Samantha King, Columbia State head softball coach; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; and Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president of student affairs.

Aug. 9, 2023 – Columbia State Community College announced Samantha King as the new head softball coach for the Chargers.

“I have watched Samantha’s collegiate career, so to have her as part of our staff last year was very exciting because I knew the calibar of player she was,” said Katie Willingham, Columbia State director of athletics. “We were grateful to have her as assistant coach. We’re very much looking forward to her being the head coach and starting her own reign of leadership along with how she’s going to be able to guide these young ladies.”

King attended Motlow State Community College and the Unniversity of Tennessee Southern, where she played collegiate softball for three years. There she received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and was named All-American for the 2021-22 season. She has also received a master’s degree in coaching and fitness leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. She has worked at Columbia State as the assistant soccer and softball coach since 2022.

“I’m excited to be a part of the athletic staff here at Columbia State!” said King. “I have always felt a calling to college athletics, so to become the next head softball coach at Columbia State is something I’m extremely proud of and I can’t wait to get started. We’re all working hard to get this season rolling, ready to frame these young ladies to incredible student-athletes and young ladies.”

“Samantha has been at Columbia State for the past year working with our softball team as well as with our students,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “In her work she has demonstrated leadership abilities that we anticipate will move our team forward. I’m very pleased that we’re here today to announce Sam as our next softball coach. We’re looking forward to a most successful season.”

“I would be remise if I didn’t pay respects to the coaches who came before me in laying the groundwork for this fabulous program,” King said. “I feel privileged to carry the honor of ushering this program to even greater heights.”

For more information about Columbia State softball, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Softball.

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