NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State assistant softball coach Kalei Harding has been named the 2026 recipient of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with Sue Enquist.

The scholarship recognizes a Black coach who has demonstrated a commitment to creating educational and athletic opportunities, overcoming barriers through social change and expanding access to fastpitch softball for Black girls and women. Recipients are selected by the NFCA Awards Committee and Natasha Watley based on their leadership, community involvement and dedication to advancing the sport.

Harding, who joined the Tennessee State coaching staff ahead of the 2026–27 season, was selected for her continued efforts to increase representation, provide mentorship and create opportunities for the next generation of female athletes.

"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," Harding said. "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."

Harding's commitment to growing the game extends beyond the collegiate level. Throughout her playing and coaching career, she has participated in youth camps, clinics and community outreach initiatives designed to connect young athletes with resources, mentorship and opportunities within softball.

Her professional playing experience has also provided a platform to advocate for greater representation. Harding currently competes with the Atlanta Smoke, a predominantly Black professional softball organization with Black ownership and leadership. She has also competed in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and professionally in Mexico City.

Through those experiences, Harding has worked alongside successful Black women in professional softball while helping increase visibility for young athletes who aspire to compete at the highest levels.

"I have been fortunate enough to represent programs and organizations that have provided meaningful visibility for Black women in softball," Harding said. "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."

Tennessee State head softball coach Genee McRath emphasized Harding's impact as both a coach and mentor.

"Kalei represents the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete, competitor, mentor, and ambassador for the game of softball," McRath said. "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."

Before arriving at Tennessee State, Harding spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Mercer University following a decorated collegiate playing career at Florida State.

A four-year starter for the Seminoles, Harding earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in each of her four seasons and received two NFCA All-Region selections. She was named the 2022 ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player and helped Florida State reach the Women's College World Series championship series in 2021, where the Seminoles finished as national runners-up.

As the 2026 scholarship recipient, Harding will receive registration to the NFCA National Convention, $700 in travel reimbursement, up to four nights of lodging at the convention host hotel and a complimentary one-year NFCA membership.

Harding will be recognized during the NFCA National Convention's annual mentoring workshop, presented by SixFour3, in Atlantic City, N.J., in December.

The recognition highlights Harding's commitment to using her experiences in softball to create opportunities beyond the field, a mission she continues in her role developing student-athletes at Tennessee State.

"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," Harding said.