Bio

Head Coach Kelly James is from San Carlos, California, but has been at Missouri Valley since 2017. James became the head coach during the 2023 season and is now in her third year of head coaching. In 2024, James led the team to a berth in the Heart Postseason Tournament, the first appearance in the postseason since 2017.  The team advanced the semifinal round.  James was the starting catcher for the softball program from 2017 to 2021. During her time as an athlete, She played in 142 softball games. James graduated from Valley in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology. Upon graduation, she became a graduate assistant/ assistant coach for the softball team in 2022 and helped the team to it's best record since 2009; 29-19 overall record and a 16-18 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.  While coaching, James earned a Master's degree in Education Administation