Kalei Harding enters her first season as an assistant coach with the Tennessee State softball program in 2026–27 after spending the previous two seasons on the softball staff at Mercer University.
A Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native, Harding returns to her home state following a decorated collegiate career at Florida State and professional playing experience with Athletes Unlimited, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the Atlanta Smoke of the Professional Softball League (PSL).
Harding spent the 2025 and 2026 seasons at Mercer, serving as a graduate manager and member of the Bears' softball staff. During her time with the program, she gained Division I coaching experience in player development, practice preparation, offensive instruction and day-to-day team operations while continuing her professional playing career.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Harding was a four-year standout at Florida State from 2021–24. She started 246 of her 251 career games for the Seminoles and finished with a .311 batting average, 236 hits, 57 doubles, 46 home runs, 208 RBI and 168 runs scored.
Harding's 57 career doubles rank second in Florida State history, while her 46 home runs rank third and her 208 RBI rank fourth in program history.
A four-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, Harding was also a two-time NFCA All-Region honoree and earned three ACC All-Tournament Team selections. She was named the ACC Tournament MVP in 2022 and helped Florida State make four NCAA Super Regional appearances during her collegiate career.
Harding played a key role in Florida State's two appearances in the Women's College World Series Championship Series in 2021 and 2023. As a freshman in 2021, she went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in the Seminoles' 8-4 victory over Oklahoma in Game 1 of the national championship series.
Playing under Florida State head coach Lonni Alameda, Harding gained championship-level experience while developing into one of the program's most productive offensive players.
Her best statistical season came as a senior in 2024, when she started all 61 games and hit a career-best .342 with 66 hits, 14 doubles, 15 home runs and 65 RBI. She also drew a career-high 27 walks while seeing time in left field, right field, third base and first base.
Following her collegiate career, Harding joined Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball in 2024. During the AUX season, she started all 12 games and hit .316 with three doubles, three home runs and 17 RBI, establishing an AUX single-season RBI record. Her debut season also featured a record-setting nine-RBI performance against Team Nickles.
Harding continued her professional career during the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Championship season, appearing in 15 games with 13 starts while recording three doubles, two home runs and seven RBI.
In 2025, Harding competed with the Blaze during the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, gaining additional experience alongside some of the top professional softball players in the world.
Harding joined the Atlanta Smoke of the Professional Softball League in 2026 and earned PSL Offensive Player of the Year honors in her first season with the organization.
Harding brings championship experience, professional offensive success and Division I coaching experience to Tennessee State. Her background as one of Florida State's most accomplished offensive players, combined with her professional achievements, will contribute to the Tigers' offensive development and player instruction.
Harding graduated from Florida State with a degree in sport management.
