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Heather Tarr steps away as USA Softball Head Coach

Reitzheadshotby:Nicole Reitz01/29/25

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Syndication: The Oklahoman
Washington coach Heather Tarr talks with Sami Reynolds (10) during a softball game between Utah and Washington in the Women's College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 2, 2023. Washington won 4-1.

Heather Tarr announced on social media that she is stepping away from her duties at USA Softball to focus solely on her Washington role.

“It’s been my greatest honor to serve USA Softball and our country over the past seven years,” Tarr said in a statement. “There have been many incredible moments. For now, I am stepping away as head coach of USA Softball. I want to completely focus on Husky softball and keep my focus on what I have going on here at home. I have been so fortunate to develop relationships with athletes and support staff at the highest level of softball, including at the international level. I am excited to continue to develop the women here at the University of  Washington and continue striving for greatness in sport, and in life.”

Tarr spent seven years with Team USA. In the three years leading the National Team, the Eagles earned a gold medal in 2022 at the World Games in Alabama and a silver medal in the 2024 WBSC Softball World Cup in Italy. She served as an assistant coach during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the Eagles won a silver medal. 

The Washington alum returned to the Huskies as the head coach in 2005 and has gone on to become the winningest coach of any sport in Washington history with an 820-313-1 record. Her .724 winning percentage is 10th among active DI softball head coaches following the conclusion of the 2024 season. 

The Huskies were the most affected team by the transfer portal this offseason. With a much different roster and only one returning player entering the Big Ten, it will certainly be a new chapter for the program.

At this time, USA Softball has not announced who will take the head coaching role. Tarr rose to the head coaching position in 2021 after assisting previous head coach, Ken Erikson. Kyla Holas, Jimmy Kolatis, and Tim Walton currently sit in assistant coaching positions.

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