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Kaitlin Paterson Named Head Softball Coach at University of Saint Joseph
Posted: Jul 08, 2026

Kaitlin Paterson Named Head Softball Coach at University of Saint Joseph

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Kaitlin Paterson has been named the ninth head softball coach in University of Saint Joseph (USJ) history, Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt announced Wednesday.
 
A former standout student-athlete at nearby NCAA Division I Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), Paterson joins the Blue Jays after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Trinity College.
 
"Throughout the interview process, Kaitlin stood out for her passion for developing successful student-athletes both on and off the field, as well as her eagerness to build upon the strong tradition of USJ softball," said Devitt. "We are thrilled to welcome her to our team."
 
"I am honored to be named the head softball coach at the University of Saint Joseph," said Paterson. "Thank you to Amanda Devitt, the search committee and the USJ community for entrusting me with this opportunity to lead the Blue Jays softball program. The University of Saint Joseph has a tradition of excellence that I'm excited to further support with my experience and passion for the game. I look forward to building upon this well-respected program by helping our student-athletes grow, compete and excel in ways that will positively impact their lives beyond USJ."

AS A COACH

Paterson joins the Blue Jays after spending the previous three seasons as an assistant coach at nearby Trinity College, where she helped guide the Bantams to a 55-53 overall record. During her tenure, Trinity enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in program history, posting a school-record 24 victories in 2024 while making its first appearance in the NESCAC Championship game in 17 years.

Working primarily with Trinity's hitters, infielders and outfielders, Paterson played an integral role in player development and recruiting while assisting with practice planning, scouting reports, game preparation, team travel, fundraising efforts, social media, equipment management and academic support. She also served as acting head coach during the summer of 2023.

Under Paterson's guidance, Trinity earned 10 All-NESCAC selections, four National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-Region honors and five College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selections.

Prior to Trinity, Paterson began her collegiate coaching career as the graduate assistant coach at Smith College during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While with Smith, she assisted with all aspects of the program, including player development, recruiting, practice planning, game preparation, travel coordination, fundraising, budgeting and community engagement. During her two seasons, Smith produced one NFCA All-Region selection, two New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-Conference selections, two NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship honorees, 11 NEWMAC All-Academic selections and 14 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes.

In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Paterson spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Eliminators travel softball organization and has served as a private offensive and defensive softball instructor since 2017.

AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE

Paterson graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in strategic communication. She earned cum laude honors and completed minors in business, media studies and psychology.

A four-year member of the CCSU softball program, Paterson served as a team captain from 2018-21 and earned First Team All-Northeast Conference (NEC) honors in 2021. She was also recognized for her standout defensive play, earning the NEC Golden Glove Award in 2021.

Paterson ranks second in program history in doubles (35), eighth in runs scored (91) and ninth in at-bats (511). In the classroom, she earned CCSU Scholar-Athlete honors from 2017-21, NEC Academic Honor Roll recognition and the Gail Rutz Award in 2021.

A native of Southington, Paterson starred at Southington High School, helping lead the Blue Knights to three state championships (2013, 2014 and 2015). She was a two-sport captain in softball and basketball and was named the 2015 Hartford Courant Softball Player of the Year and Southington Observer Female Athlete of the Year.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT PATERSON

"I couldn't be more excited for Kaitlin as she takes over as the next head coach at USJ. She was an integral part of everything we built together at Trinity, and her knowledge of the game, passion for her players and leadership make her incredibly deserving of this opportunity. It's been an honor to work alongside her for the past three years, and I can't wait to watch her make a lasting impact leading the Blue Jays."

                                 – Lena Springer, Head Softball Coach, Trinity College

"I'm excited for Kaitlin and the Blue Jays softball program as she begins her journey as head coach. Having worked with Kaitlin, I saw the positive impact her outstanding softball knowledge and player-first approach had on our team. I know she will build on USJ's tradition of success while creating an exceptional environment for her student-athletes to thrive."

                                 – Emily Lopez, Head Softball Coach, Smith College

"What a phenomenal hire for USJ. I could not be prouder of Kaitlin. She is one of the best young coaches I have ever been around, and I am so excited to watch her succeed as a head coach."

                                 – Breanne Gleason, Head Softball Coach, Central Connecticut State University

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