AUSTIN, Texas – Concordia Texas head softball coach Jeff Staton has announced the addition of newly appointed assistant coach Haley Dennett to the program. Dennett rejoins the program as she attended Concordia as a student-athlete from 2015-2019. She was a four-year letterman who now brings in load of experience back to her alma mater.
"We are extremely blessed to have Haley back with our program. Her passion for the game, our program and the University is unmatched, and I can't wait for her to pass that along to our girls." says Staton. "I wasn't here for Haley's freshman year but I was blessed to ride along with her for the remainder of her career and boy what a ride it was! Haley was one of those players that really does not come along very often. She was big time leader, an amazingly sure handed shortstop as well as one of the best hitters I've ever had the pleasure to coach (not that she needed much coaching). Haley made me a better coach (or at least made me appear better) when she was a player her and I know she will be doing that same thing this time around too."
Dennett was a dual threat on the field as she saw success at shortstop, in the circle and at the plate during her time at Concordia. Appearing in 164 games (161 starts), Dennett is the school's all-time leader in games played and started. The Edinburg, Texas native was explosive at the plate as she raked in 166 hits (third most in program history), 72 runs (seventh most), 33 doubles (fourth most) and five triples in 497 at bats.
She boasted a .334 hitting percentage (eighth all-time in program history), .421 slugging percentage and a .384 on-base percentage with 20 stolen bases. The standout also posted a pair of wins as a pitcher as she struck out nine batters in 10 appearances.
Dennett was a three-time All-ASC selection as she was a member of the 2018 & 2019 Second Team & 2016 Honorable Mention team. Also shining in the classroom, Dennett was deemed to the 2017 Academic All-ASC team. Providing leadership skills as well, Dennett helped lead CTX to a 25-win season and the school's first ever appearance to the ASC Tournament semifinal. The Tornados also won 20 games in conference play in 2018; which still stands as the school's record for a single-season.
Prior to her time at Concordia, Dennett was a four-year varsity letter-winner at Edinburg North High School where she was a three-time First Team All-District selection and a two-time District Pitcher of the Year. In 2012, she was named the District Newcomer of the Year and she was an invitee to play in the TGCA State All-Star game.
Speaking on her opportunity as an assistant coach, Dennett said, "I feel absolutely thrilled and honored to join the coaching staff for the 2024 season. I am grateful for the opportunity to join a seasoned and knowledgeable coaching staff, looking forward to learning invaluable lessons and insights from their expertise. As I look at the CTX Softball roster, I see a talented group of well-rounded individuals brimming with potential and athletic ability.
"This year I aim to develop a strong connection with each player, guiding them towards greater confidence and honing their skills to help them unleash their full potential throughout the season. Concordia was my home for many unforgettable years that I'll cherish forever. Coach Jeff and the 2015-2019 coaching staff played a pivotal role, not only molding me into a stronger athlete but also shaping me into a better-rounded individual off the field. As I look back with gratitude, I am eager to pay it forward and contribute back to the program that has given me so much."
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX softball program, follow us on social media (@ctxathletics) and visit athletics.concordia.edu.
