NCSA Softball Recruiting Coaches
Kalee Patterson
CoachKPatterson@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4648 | Hope College
After high school, I went on to play at Lansing Community College (MI) (2004-2005), then moved to Stockton, California to play for the Men’s USA Fast Pitch Coach at San Joaquin Delta College (2005-2006). After JUCO, I went on to play at Mid-America Nazarene (KS) from 2006-2007. I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology (Athletic Training concentration) and a Minor in Business, from Hope College. After college, I realized that I couldn’t give up the game so I coached for the Bulls-Sox Academy (Lisle) and was an Assistant Coach at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. I recently graduated from AU with a Master's in Sports & Exercise Psychology.
One of the most rewarding parts of working for NCSA is being able to watch student-athletes grow and develop, not only as athletes but as individuals. It’s rewarding to see them accomplish their dreams. Outside of work, I enjoy going to baseball games (big surprise), hunting, traveling, drawing, and of course, retail therapy.
Sam Valadez
CoachSValadez@ncsasports.org | 909-238-0364 | Doane University
I attended Doane University where I was a 4 year starter for the Tigers. During my career at Doane, we gained a GPAC Conference Championship and had 2 post-season appearances. Prior to college I competed within the Firecracker Organization in Southern California and attended Charter Oak High School where I was a 4-year Varsity starter. After college, I coached at NCAA Division II Chadron State College under current Head Coach Kaley Ness. I then went on to coach at Waldorf University where I was the graduate assistant and the Head Varsity Softball Coach for the local high school. While at Waldorf I received my Masters in Organizational Leadership and Sports Management. I have also recruited for Triple Crown Sports and USA preps. I currently coach within the Firecracker organization and run Hoss Hitters which focuses on softball and baseball training. I joined NCSA because of my passion for softball and connecting with student-athletes and families. I love creating connections and community with those around me. I am determined, excited, hard-working, and a great teammate. I currently reside in Southern California with my fiancé Yiannis.
Joyce Wellhoefer
CoachWellhoefer@ncsasports.org | 312-624-7408 | Kent State University
Sports has always been a huge part of my life starting from my younger days of playing baseball and basketball with one of my brothers and neighbor. Having the opportunity to compete in high school was something I really enjoyed. So, when I found out that I could go on to college and continue playing, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes! I never dreamed of being a college student because no one in my family had ever gone and I was just an average student at best. Competing in sports was my main priority, but I came to value earning my degree as well. The summer after my junior year in college, I played softball in California and worked at the UCLA softball camp. That was my first opportunity to serve as a coach, something I thoroughly enjoyed. After playing basketball in Austria for three months, I returned to an offer to be the head softball coach at a nearby high school. We took runner-up at the private school state tournament. For the next four years, I coached basketball, softball, and volleyball at high schools. I wanted to pursue coaching full-time, so I went on to earn my master’s degree. That led me into a 20-year college coaching career that was a real dream come true. Now working at NCSA for over 10 years, I continue to draw from my experiences as a player and coach. It is a joy to reflect on how my love of sports has taken me around the world and afforded me an education. Looking back and seeing my path take shape, with help from others, has been a huge blessing for me. Being able to help families going through this same process is super rewarding for me.
Jess Daily
CoachJDaily@ncsasports.org | 312-281-6602 | University of Missouri
I started my coaching career as a volunteer coach at Rose State College, spending 2 years working with catchers and outfield then became the assistant coach role for the next 3 years. While spending the 1 year as a high school assistant coach, my wife and I moved to Illinois where I became the Associate Head Coach at Lincoln College where I worked for 1 year to help them transition into an NAIA school. After this, I spent 2 years at Spoon River College as the Associate Head Coach from there I back to Oklahoma to become the Associate Head Coach of Northern Oklahoma College- Tonkawa campus for 8 months before Covid-19 hit.
While a volunteer at Rose State College, I also spent time with my travel ball team, Oklahoma Athletics Daily in this journey I successfully helped my kids get college offers and commit them to play college softball. During this process I obtained my bachelor's in General Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma then my Masters's from the University of Missouri in Positive Coaching Psychology in which I graduated with a 4.0 GPA
Rebecca Carkhuff
CoachRCarkhuff@ncsasports.org | 312-281-6602 | Franklin Pierce University
After graduating from Amherst Regional High School, I continued to play soccer and softball at Division III Becker College. After Becker, I coached softball for one year at King’s College out of Wilkes-Barre, PA before transferring to Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH.
During my two years at Franklin Pierce, we were 31-10, with one Rookie of the Year award, six NE-10 All-Conference awards, four NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) awards, and fourteen NE-10 Academic All-Conference awards.
The most rewarding part of working for NCSA is that there is a college/university for each athlete; helping them find their home for their college career is the most rewarding job, and I am honored to be part of the process. Another favorite part of working for NCSA is the relationship that you build with the player and their families, I am just as excited for the families and players when they sign to their schools as they are!
Jessica Schraffenberger
CoachJSchraffenberger@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7507 | Cedarville University
I graduated from NCAA Division II Cedarville University, where I played softball for 4 years and earned a degree in Sport Management. After graduating, I went on to get my Master’s of Business Administration from NAIA University of St. Francis (IL), where I was also the graduate assistant softball coach for 2 years. Since then, I have made stops at NCAA DIII Covenant College, and back at my alma mater, Cedarville University, as an assistant softball coach.
After 7+ years in coaching, I’ve come to NCSA to continue to connect with student-athletes and their families, while helping them navigate the recruiting process. During my recruiting process, I utilized NCSA, so I know first-hand what a valuable resource it is to fulfill the dream of playing at the next level.
I reside in Northwest Indiana with my husband and dog, where I enjoy golfing and skiing in my spare time.
Kristen Kolter
CoachKKolter@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4762 | Union University
I graduated from Adams Central High School lettering all four years in both softball and volleyball. I continued my playing career at Union University in Tennessee. In my time at Union, the Lady Bulldogs made two trips to the NAIA National Tournament and won one NCCAA National Title in 2004.
After graduating from Union in 2007, I continued at Union as a Graduate Assistant Coach in Sports information and assisting with both volleyball and softball. In 2008, I served as the Graduate Assistant Pitching Coach at William Woods University while earning my master’s degree in athletic administration. I then spent two years as the head coach at Lyon College in Batesville, Ark. The Scots played in the ultra-competitive American Midwest Conference. After Lyon, I served as head coach at Goshen College for 5 years. In my time at Goshen, I worked as an Athletic Enrollment Counselor and Assistant Athletic Director.
I am so excited about the opportunities NCSA provides student-athletes. I am passionate about helping student-athletes find the right fit and walking them through the recruitment process!