WEST HARTFORD—The University of Saint Joseph has named former Trinity College assistant Kaitlin Paterson as the ninth head softball coach in program history.
Paterson, a Southington native and former standout player at Central Connecticut State University, takes over the Blue Jays program after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Trinity, where she helped the Bantams compile a 55-53 record. Trinity enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in school history during her tenure, including a program-record 24-win season in 2024 and its first appearance in the NESCAC championship game in 17 years.
“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,” Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt said in a USJ press release. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”
Paterson said she is excited to continue the program’s tradition of success.
“I am honored to be named the head softball coach at the University of Saint Joseph,” Paterson said. “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.”
At Trinity, Paterson—who is the younger sister of University of New Haven head coach Kelly Paterson—worked primarily with the program’s hitters, infielders and outfielders. She also assisted with recruiting, practice planning, scouting, game preparation, fundraising, team travel, social media, equipment management and academic support. She also served as the Bantams’ acting head coach during the summer of 2023.
During her three seasons, Trinity players earned 10 All-NESCAC selections, four NFCA Division III All-Region honors and five College Sports Communicators Academic All-District awards.
“I couldn’t be more excited for Kaitlin as she takes over as the next head coach at USJ,” said Trinity head coach Lena Springer. “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.”
Paterson began her collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Smith College, where she spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons assisting with all aspects of the program, including recruiting, player development, travel, budgeting and community engagement.
Before entering the college ranks, she spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Eliminators travel organization and has worked as a private softball instructor since 2017.
As a player, Paterson enjoyed an accomplished career at Central Connecticut State University, where she was a four-year starter and team captain. She earned First Team All-Northeast Conference honors and the NEC Golden Glove Award in 2021 while finishing her career ranked second in program history in doubles, eighth in runs scored and ninth in at-bats.
“What a phenomenal hire for USJ,” said CCSU head coach Breanne Gleason. “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.”
Paterson graduated from CCSU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication, earning cum laude honors while completing minors in business, media studies and psychology.
A standout at Southington High School before her collegiate career, Paterson helped lead the Blue Knights to three consecutive state championships from 2013-15. She was named the 2015 Hartford Courant Softball Player of the Year and Southington Observer Female Athlete of the Year.
Paterson succeeds Jim McKinnon.
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