LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tennessee State assistant coach Kalei Harding is this year’s recipient of the NFCA’s Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with Sue Enquist.
Reviewed and voted on by the NFCA Awards Committee and Natasha Watley, the scholarship is awarded to a Black coach who has created educational or athletic opportunities for their community, has removed and overcome obstacles through social change, or has opened doors for growing the game of fastpitch for Black girls or women. The scholarship is presented to an individual who embodies courage and commitment to break down barriers, create change within our sport, and has a need for financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention.
Harding will receive a 2026 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement of $700 and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Atlantic City, N.J. Additionally, she will receive a one-year complimentary membership with the NFCA.
Harding joined the Tennessee State softball program this year after spending two seasons as a graduate assistant at Mercer University. A graduate of Florida State, Harding was a four-year starter for the Seminoles, earning All-ACC honors each season, collecting two NFCA All-Region nods, was named the 2022 ACC Tournament MVP and helped FSU to a national runner-up finish in 2021. She has continued her playing career and is currently a member of the Atlanta Smoke, while also competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and professionally in Mexico City.
“Throughout my softball career, I have tried to use my experiences as both a player and coach to create opportunities and be a visible example for young Black girls in the game,” said Harding. “Now, at Tennessee State, I have an even greater opportunity to invest in Black female student-athletes and help provide them with the development, resources, exposure and experiences they deserve. My goal is to continue opening doors by being present in spaces where Black women have historically been underrepresented and helping the next generation see what is possible for them in fastpitch, both during and beyond playing careers.”
Her opportunity to play for the Smoke, a predominantly Black professional softball team with Black ownership and leadership, has afforded her to be surrounded by successful Black women and leaders at the professional level and has shown her another side of what representation in the game can look like. Additionally, it has also given young Black girls the opportunity to see athletes who look like them competing professionally and occupying spaces that have not always had that level of representation.
“Kalei represents the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete, competitor, mentor, and ambassador for the game of softball,” said Tennessee State head coach Genee McRath. “What makes Kalei especially valuable is that she is truly a student of the game. She has made it clear that she wants to use her experiences to help young athletes understand the game, see what is possible for themselves, and develop the tools necessary to reach their goals.”
Harding’s involvement in promoting equity has come through the softball communities and organizations that have been a part of her journey through softball. She has participated in numerous youth camps, clinics and community outreach, in addition to her mentorship opportunities, which have allowed her to connect with and encourage young female athletes from different backgrounds.
“I have been fortunate enough to represent programs and organizations that have provided meaningful visibility for Black women in softball,” said Harding. “Through these opportunities, I have been able to be part of efforts that increase representation, access, and visibility for Black girls and women within the game of softball.”
Harding will be recognized on Thursday, Dec. 11 during the Convention’s annual mentoring workshop presented by SixFour3.
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its extensive awards and scholarships program, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from NFCA podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.
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