Kennesaw State University Athletics

Selena Collins-Patterson, a decorated athlete and respected coach, has been named the seventh head softball coach in Kennesaw State University history, Director of Athletics Milton Overton announced Monday, Sept. 15.

Collins-Patterson brings more than 22 years of coaching experience across NCAA Division I, high school, travel leagues, and private academies. She currently leads the Marist School softball program and serves as CEO and president of the Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch Organization. Additionally, she has taught as a KSU lecturer since 2014.

"Owl Nation, help me welcome Coach Collins-Patterson back home to the Nest!" Overton said. "Selena knows how to be a champion on the softball diamond and in the classroom. She embodies the spirit of Kennesaw State Athletics, understands what it means to be an Owl, and is deeply committed to the success of our student-athletes. We are thrilled to have her leading our softball program into an exciting new era."

A Texas A&M Hall of Fame catcher, Collins-Patterson was a Big 12 Player of the Year, all-American, and team captain. She represented the USA National Team and earned NPF All-Star honors playing professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch League.

Her coaching résumé includes head coaching stints at Trinity University, where she guided the Tigers to a conference championship and was named Coach of the Year, as well as Pace Academy, where she captured a region title and Coach of the Year honors. She has also served as an assistant coach at Sam Houston State and as the softball director for the National Baseball and Softball Academy.

"I am truly honored to take on this role at Kennesaw State," said Collins-Patterson. "Having spent much of my life coaching and mentoring young women in a sport I love, I feel incredibly fortunate to continue guiding a group of young women toward reaching their full potential. I'm excited to work with our student-athletes to build on the program's strong tradition and help develop champions both on and off the field. I'm grateful to Milton Overton and our administration for their trust and support. Go Owls!"

A champion of student-athlete development, Collins-Patterson has overseen the Atlanta Vipers 2030 travel team, leading the Vipers to multiple championships, including the PGF Super Select 12U Southeast title. As a lecturer in KSU's Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education, she teaches wellness, coaching principles, and advanced sport coaching courses, underscoring her commitment to holistic student growth.

Collins-Patterson earned her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M in 2004 and her master's from Texas Women's University in 2012. She is currently a PhD candidate at Concordia University Chicago.