Guelph native Kaleigh Rafter has been named the head coach of the Canadian women's national softball team.
Softball Canada made the announcement in a news release Thursday. She replaces Mark Smith.
Rafter recently retired from playing after helping Canada win bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games.
“I cannot put into words the excitement I have for being named head coach of the Canadian women’s national Tteam” Rafter said in the news release.
“I am humbled at the trust Softball Canada has put in me ... I love the sport of softball and I am committed to growing the game across all age groups in Canada. This program has risen to new heights, culminating with a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I want to thank all those who came before me that helped build the program, especially Coach Mark Smith who led us for the last 12 years. It is my mission to make all of you proud. Go Canada!”
Rafter competed with the Women’s National Team since 2007. She is a two-time Olympian, a four-time Pan American Games medallist (one gold; three silver) and represented Canada in five WBSC World Cups, winning three bronze medals. She also won a gold medal at the 2007 Universiade (World University Games) and played two seasons of professional softball in Japan and one in the National Pro Fastpitch League.
While competing with the Canadian National Team, Rafter had the opportunity to coach at the NCAA level, serving as a student assistant coach and volunteer coach in several stints at Florida State University (2009-2010; 2012-2013; 2015 and currently) and as an assistant coach at the University of New York at Buffalo (2015-2016) and the University of Virginia (2016-2019). Rafter is a Competition – Development Certified coach in the Coaching Association of Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
In 2022, the Canadian Women’s National Team is currently slated to compete at the Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C. (June 20-26), the World Cup/World Games in Birmingham, Alabama (July 9-13) and the WBSC Americas Pan American Championship (dates and location to be determined).
