SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head softball coach Jackie Huff has announced the hiring of Taylor Watford as the Valkyries new assistant softball coach.
 
"I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Taylor as our new assistant coach," Huff said. "Her impressive track record as a player, combined with the historic season she just assisted with at Francis Marion, speaks volumes about her talent, work ethic, and competitive drive. Taylor brings an infectious energy, a hunger to keep learning, and a confident presence that will elevate everyone around her. She's a perfect fit for our culture, and I couldn't be more excited to bring her into the program. I can't wait to see the impact she'll make on our team and our student-athletes."  
 
"I'm truly honored to join the Converse softball family," Watford said. "Every step in this game has taught me something new, and I'm excited to bring those lessons with me as I help develop not only great athletes but great people. Softball has given me so much throughout my career, and I can't wait to pour into these student-athletes the same way so many coaches and mentors have poured into me."
 
Previously, Watford was an assistant softball coach for Francis Marion University and helped the Patriots to a #2 national ranking in the NFCA Poll. This past season the Patriots set the program and conference record for wins in a season with 53 and hosted the Super Regionals round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. Watford helped Francis Marion capture their third consecutive Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship, and coached a trio of players to All-American status. Watford also helped the Patriots rank top-10 nationally in total hits, batting average, and RBI's this past season.
 
Prior to her time in the dugout for the Patriots, Watford was a two-year standout for Francis Marion. As a player, she started and played in 110 games, posted a career batting of .417, tallied 73 runs, 138 hits, 36 doubles, 1 triple, 27 homeruns, and 140 RBI's. Watford also posted a .776 slugging percentage and a .502 on-base percentage. In the field, Watford tallied 578 putouts, 19 assists, and posted a .987 fielding percentage.
 
While at Francis Marion, Watford raked in numerous accolades: 2024 D2CCA Honorable Mention All-American, 2024 NFCA All-Southeast Region Second Team, 2024 D2CCA All-Southeast Region First Team, 2024 Conference Carolinas All-Conference First Team, 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division II Player of the Watch List, 2023 D2CCA All-Region Second Team, 2023 Conference Carolinas All-Conference Second Team, 2023 Conference Carolinas All-Tournament Team, and 2023 Conference Carolinas All-Defensive Team (1B) honors.
 
Prior to her time in Florence, Watford appeared in 39 games and made 25 starts for UAB during the 2021 softball season. Before Watford played for the Blazers, she spent a pair of seasons at Ole Miss, tallying 42 appearances and seven starts for the Rebels.    
 
For more information on the Converse University softball program log onto govalkyries.com.
 
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