Coach Goler to Represent USA Softball with Elite, U-18 Programs

Tuesday, April 02, 2024 | By: WIU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The USA Softball Women's National Team Program announced coaches for its U-18 and Elite programs, with a familiar face being named to both staffs. Leatherneck Softball Head Coach Alisa Goler will serve as an assistant coach for the U-18 and Elite Teams. Goler joins Kelly Kretschman, Rachel Lawson, and Cody Thomson as members of the Women's Elite team staff. Kyla Holas and Kretschman will join Goler with the U-18 Team.

"I'm shocked," said Goler of earning the role of coaching the two squads. "It's a great honor for me, earning this opportunity to coach these teams. Working for USA Softball is the highest honor as a softball coach, and I am grateful for this opportunity." Goler mentioned that this is her first experience with USA Softball, but she does have familiarity with a few of her counterparts. "I've played against Kyla (Holas) before when she was a pro league coach, and played against Kelly (Kretschman) for my entire pro career. Kelly has been a huge role model for me as a player," said Goler.

U.S. Women's National Team Camp begins June 26 in Oklahoma City, where USA Softball is headquartered. Goler will work with both Elite and U-18 teams at the camp. Her USA Softball coaching debut comes with the Elite Team in a two-game exhibition series against Great Britain on June 29 and 30. The Elite Team will then travel across the Pacific for the Japan All-Star Series. From July 4-8, the Elite Team will play in Nagoya, Fujinomiya, and Yokohama. Goler expressed her excitement about working with the Elite Team, saying, "I am excited for this experience… I have not traveled out of the country for softball before, so this is unique."

Moving later into the summer, the U-18 team competes in the WBSC U-18 World Cup Stage Event, hosting Group C in Dallas from August 29-September 2. About the U-18 team, Goler said "These are high school kids, so giving them idea of scouting, preparing them for college will be important for them. These kids are crazy athletic and raw, and I am excited to coach them, and excited to be around kids that talented, going to top ten NCAA programs."

With a busy summer ahead for the Leatherneck skipper, Goler showed her appreciation for assistant coach Collin Hopkins, who will be taking on a lot more recruiting duties this summer. Goler noted how she wants to apply this experience to next season at Western, saying "I am excited to learn from the other coaches, as I am always trying to improve as a coach at Western. Taking in their drills, verbiage, mindset, and more will all help me improve."

Leatherneck softball heads down to Edwardsville this weekend for a three-game series this weekend, taking on SIUE from April 6-7.

Check out USA Softball's full release here.

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