Regent University Athletics has announced the promotion of Jessica Goldyn to Head Softball Coach as the Royals prepare for their inaugural season of competition.
Goldyn, who joined the Regent softball staff as an assistant coach, brings an accomplished playing career, international professional experience, and collegiate coaching experience to her new role leading the Royals.
Since arriving at Regent, Goldyn has played an important role in laying the foundation for the University's newest athletic program. She has been heavily involved in the recruitment of the inaugural team and will now take over the leadership of the program as it continues preparations for its first season on the diamond.
" We are excited to welcome Jess Goldyn as our new softball coach. Jess has demonstrated to our university leadership, as well as our student athletes; she is in this for the long haul, is all-in on Regent University, and recognizes and appreciates the opportunity to lead our inaugural softball program", said Executive Director of Athletics Michael Allen. "She is exactly what our softball players need from a mentorship and leadership standpoint. Her playing background and success are second to none; she has a wealth of knowledge, and she fully supports the core values of Regent University. I know our student athletes will thrive under her guidance, and we cannot wait to see our Royals Softball team competing this spring under her leadership".
A native of Buffalo, New York, Goldyn began her collegiate playing career at the University of Buffalo, where she earned All-Freshman Conference Team honors during her first season before transferring to Virginia Wesleyan University.
Goldyn went on to establish herself as one of the most decorated softball players in NCAA Division III history. She helped lead Virginia Wesleyan to the 2021 NCAA Division III National Championship while being named the NFCA National Player of the Year.
During her historic 2021 campaign, Goldyn led the nation in stolen bases (73), doubles (23), hits (84), total bases (153), and triples (11). Her performance earned her numerous national, regional, and conference honors, including:
NFCA National Player of the Year
Diamond Sports/NFCA Division III Catcher of the Year
New Balance/NFCA Golden Shoe Award
NFCA First Team All-American
NCAA Atlantic Regional Most Outstanding Player
Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Player of the Year
Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Player of the Year
Following her collegiate career, Goldyn continued her playing career professionally overseas. She began her international career with the Lady Capitals in Bonn, Germany, helping the club capture the German National Championship while earning Playoff MVP honors.
Goldyn later joined the Port Adelaide Magpies in Australia, where she received the Kathleen Correll Award, League Catcher of the Year, Team Best Batter, and Team MVP honors. She also competed for Roef Moergestel in the Netherlands, helping the club win the European Cup Winners B Cup Championship, before returning to the Magpies for another standout season that included League Catcher of the Year and Team MVP recognition.
Before joining Regent, Goldyn spent a season as an assistant coach at Louisburg College, where she directed the team's offense while overseeing the catchers and outfielders.
" Taking the reins of Regent University's inaugural softball season is more than an opportunity, it is a calling", said Coach Goldyn. "I am incredibly honored and excited to lead this program from its very beginning and to build something that will leave a lasting legacy. My passion is not only to develop great softball players on the field, but to develop strong women of character, faith, resilience, and purpose off the field. We have the opportunity to lay the foundation for something special, and I am committed to pouring everything I have into our student-athletes, our program, and the mission of Regent University. This is just the beginning, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our Lady Royals"
Goldyn now takes the next step in her coaching career as she assumes leadership of the Royals and continues building the foundation for Regent University's inaugural softball season.
