COD Softball: Finan returns to the Valley to lead the Roadrunners

College of the Desert Softball has hired La Quinta High School alumnus, Kelli Finan to helm the Roadrunners program.

Finan starred for the Blackhawks at La Quinta High School from 2011-2015 before committing to Long Beach State. She was a Big West All-Freshman Team honoree for the 49ers in 2016 when Finan led the team in conference play with a .314 average (she played mainly right field that season). Finan helped The Beach reach the NCAA Tournament and a regional appearance in Eugene, Oregon.

"I am looking forward to becoming a competitive program and seeing the girls grow and develop throughout the season," Coach Finan said in a recent interview with COD Athletics.com. "I grew up in the desert and have existing relationships with many local high school coaches. I plan on creating new relationships with other coaches throughout the valley and I will be recruiting from all local high schools and travel ball teams as well. Since our fantastic softball facility here at College of the Desert has lights, it allows for endless possibilities, with that in mind, I would like to host some high school camps."

Coach Finan traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, earning a sociology degree with the BlueJays of Creighton University in the spring of 2020. She competed for the BlueJays in 2018 and 2019, compiling a .310 average (71-for-229) with 10 home runs and a team-leading 57 runs batted in. Coach Finan played all four positions around the horn and even in the outfield. She spent the 2020 season as a student coach for Brent Vigness.

"I am excited to be taking over the COD softball program to create a competitive environment where my student athletes can thrive on and off the field," commented Coach Finan.

After her stint as a student coach with Creighton, Coach Finan made her way to Vermillion, South Dakota and was a Graduate Assistant with the Coyotes of the University of South Dakota (NCAA D1) where she earned a master's degree in Kinesiology and Sport Management in 2021-2022.

This past year, Coach Finan traveled to San Marcos, California and coached with the Firebirds of the University of Saint Katherine (NAIA) where the team had a school record of 19 wins.

"I want potential student athletes and parents to know that I want them to have the best experience possible by creating a positive family like culture," continued Coach Finan.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Story & Photo provided by COD Sports Information.