By: Ryan Henry
Follow KSU Softball - X | Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State softball head coach Selena Collins-Patterson has announced her inaugural coaching staff for the 2026 season.
Crystal Hampton, who has been with the program since 2022, has been retained as Collins-Patterson's top assistant. Daisy Hess, a graduate assistant at KSU last season, has been elevated to assistant coach. Mel Savala rounds out the staff, coming over from Saint Francis University (Pa.), where she served as an assistant coach from 2024-25.
"I value confident people and Mel embodies that quality," Collins-Patterson said. "She brings great experience and a genuine passion for both outfield and hitting. She's a go-getter, organized, competitive, and driven. Her strong demeanor and confidence in her knowledge are admirable. She will bring great energy and value to our staff and team as we continue building a culture rooted in confidence, resilience, and passion for the game."
Working primarily with hitters and the outfield, Savala guided Savannah Nash to Northeast Conference (NEC) Player of the Year honors in 2025, leading the conference in batting average (.421) and stolen bases (18).
In Savala's two years at SFU, the Red Flash won back-to-back NEC Tournament titles with the coaching staff being named NEC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2024. She coached four NFCA all-region selections and 13 all-conference honorees.
Before her time in Loretto, Pa., she spent the 2023 season at NCAA Division II Wingate University, where the Bulldogs held a 48-17 overall record. She assisted the program to its first regular season title since 2009, advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals.
"When I had the chance to sit down and talk with Daisy, I immediately loved the vibe she'd bring to our staff," Collins-Patterson said. "Her willingness to learn, take initiative, research her craft, and exude confidence is exactly what I look for in people, not just assistant coaches. I value confidence and a drive for constant growth and Daisy embodies both. She's the type of person who will continuously challenge herself to find ways to make our players better."
Hess spent the 2024-25 season as a graduate assistant, assisting with the infield, offensive scouting and baserunning. This upcoming season she will assume a similar role, working with the infielders and collaborate on hitting.
Last season, Hess guided Macie Howes to Second-Team All-CUSA honors. Howes finished second in the conference with 12 runners caught stealing and ninth with 259 putouts. Ava Guzowski received College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors.
Before coming to The Saw, Hess was a star shortstop at Louisville and Georgia State. For the Cardinals, she received back-to-back All-ACC honors in her two years there and at Georgia State, she broke the program record for most stolen bases in a single season.
"Crystal has been incredible during my transition to KSU," Collins-Patterson said. "She jumped right in and brought me up to speed, showing her level of commitment and care for the program. Her passion for the game is evident in everything she does. She's extremely knowledgeable, sharp, and constantly pushing herself to grow in her craft. She's a true student of the game and brings tremendous value to our pitching staff. I'm excited to have her alongside me as we continue to grow and strengthen this culture."
Hampton has been on the KSU coaching staff since 2022, working with the pitchers since 2023. In their first season in Conference USA, the Owls' pitching staff under Hampton was one of the best strikeout units in the conference, ranking third with 260. She oversaw the development of Emma Friedel into one of the top arms in CUSA. Friedel had the best opponent batting average (.202), second-most shutouts (four) and was third in strikeouts at 132. She received CSC Academic All-District honors.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
