Clark Atlanta University Women's Softball

The Clark Atlanta University athletics department announced the hiring of Nicole Bayona as the next head softball coach to lead the Lady Panthers' softball program on July 17, 2024. Nicole Bayona joins Clark Atlanta University as the head softball coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Over the past two years, Coach Bayona coached at Keiser University, where she played a pivotal role in revitalizing the softball program. During her time at Keiser, the team achieved the best record in the history of Keiser softball. As the sole coach responsible for the pitching staff, Coach Bayona mentored Lizzy Small, who earned first-team All-Sun conference honors in 2023 & 2024. Bayona also helped Small set a new program record of 43 career pitching wins.  Prior to Keiser University, Coach Nicole served as the assistant coach at Florida National University. During her tenure, the team won a USCAA Small College National Championship in 2022. During her time there, 4 FNU players earned All-CAC honors.  Before joining FNU, Coach Bayona was the pitching coach at St. Thomas University (2020-2021) and Broward College (2019).  Before her college coaching career started, she coached a competitive travel team where she helped place athletes in Division I, Division II, NAIA & JUCO softball programs. She continues to help build softball in the south Florida softball community.  Beyond collegiate coaching, Coach Bayona is dedicated to community development through softball. As the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Coach Bayona has been committed to rebuilding and promoting the sport in the community where her coaching career began. For the past seven years, she has been an active participant in fostering a love for softball and supporting young athletes. For Coach Bayona, coaching softball is not just a profession; it is a privilege and a passion. Her commitment to the sport and to developing talented athletes will undoubtedly lead Clark Atlanta University's softball team to new heights.