LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Softball program made an addition to their staff on Monday as Head Coach Stephanie DeFeo announced the hiring of Samantha Richards as the Tigers' Pitching Coach.
Richards secures the first full-time coaching position of her career, after being a dominant force on the mound as a player for years within the GSC.
"We are so excited to welcome Samantha to our Tiger Family," said Coach DeFeo. "She was a fierce competitor and has the experience to elevate our program to the next level!"
Richards, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, played five years of collegiate softball at Valdosta State where she stamped her name as one of the greatest pitchers in School History. Over the course of her career from 2019-2023, the Right-Hander accumulated 85 total wins on a 2.38 ERA, while also holding opposing batters to a staggering .214 batting average.
In 742.1 innings, Richards finished her career with 846 strikeouts which is 253 more than the amount of hits she allowed. The Alpharetta native threw 91 complete games in five seasons, with 23 being complete game shutouts, two being no hitters, and one registering as a perfect game. When Richards left the mound for the final time in 2023, she left with a plethora of awards and accolades to her name. As it stands, Richards is a two-time GSC and South Region Pitcher of the Year recipient, a Two-Time All-American, a three-time First Team All-GSC selection, and a three-time All-South Region honoree.
After her playing career came to a close, Richards sought out coaching opportunities around the country and landed a Graduate Assistant position with the University of Tennessee. With Richards on staff, the Volunteers won the SEC Championship in 2024 and made it all the way to the College World Series Semifinals in 2025.
"I'm excited to work under Coach DeFeo and be here at UWA," Richards exclaimed. "I know we will bring back the Championship mindset to the program as a coaching staff and we can't wait to take the conference by storm."
With a wealth of experience in the circle as a player coupled with coaching experience at the highest level, Richards is ready for her inaugural Full-Time Coaching Position with the Tigers.
