Tennessee State Coach Wins Scholarship for Social Change

A softball coach who's determined to change the game for young Black athletes just got recognized for making it happen.

Kalei Harding, assistant coach at Tennessee State University, won the 2026 Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change. The award celebrates Black coaches who create educational and athletic opportunities in fastpitch softball, a sport where Black women remain underrepresented.

Harding brings serious credentials to her mission. She was a four-year starter at Florida State, earned All-ACC honors every season, and helped her team reach the national championship game in 2021. Now she's using that platform to mentor the next generation.

"Throughout my softball career, I have tried to use my experiences as both a player and coach to create opportunities and be a visible example for young Black girls in the game," Harding said. At Tennessee State, she works directly with Black female student-athletes, providing them with development, resources, and exposure they deserve.

Her work extends beyond college fields. Harding plays professionally for the Atlanta Smoke, a predominantly Black-owned professional softball team. That visibility matters because young athletes need to see people who look like them succeeding at every level.

Tennessee State head coach Genee McRath calls Harding "a student of the game" who helps young athletes understand what's possible for themselves. Through youth camps, clinics, and mentorship programs, Harding connects with female athletes from different backgrounds and shows them pathways they might not have known existed.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarship provides more than recognition. Harding receives full registration to the 2026 NFCA National Convention in Atlantic City, $700 in travel reimbursement, four nights at the convention hotel, and a one-year NFCA membership. These resources let her connect with other coaches working toward the same goals and bring those lessons back to her athletes.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association created this scholarship specifically to support coaches breaking down barriers in softball. Every camp Harding runs, every mentorship session she holds, and every game she plays professionally tells young Black girls that this sport has room for them too.

Her presence in spaces where Black women have historically been underrepresented doesn't just inspire current players. It changes what future generations believe is possible for themselves in fastpitch, during their playing careers and beyond.