Queens University of Charlotte Women's Softball

Kella Goins is in her second full season at the helm of the Queens softball program in 2024-25. Goins took over the program after the departure of Stacey Schramm midway through the 2023 season. Kella Goins initially joined the Queens softball staff as an assistant softball coach in November 2021.   2024 Finished with a .500 mark in conference play, earned most amount of conference wins in a single season in the Division I era (12 wins) The Royals finished with 29 wins, the greatest number of wins in a season for the program since 2018. Snagged their first win of the season on Feb. 9 against Northern Kentucky The Royals’ 10-run win against NC Central marked the most runs scored by Queens all season Went on a seven-game win streak, the longest overall win streak since 2018. Royals earned a spot in the 2024 ASUN Championships for the first time in program history A win against No. 6 Jacksonville marked their first postseason win since 2018 and their first Division 1 postseason win in program history. Autumn Courtney named Preseason Pitcher of the Year Courtney secured the first perfect game of her career against North Florida with 10 strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Courtney matched a career-high 15 strikeouts against NC Central (March 2, 2024) Autumn Courtney finished second in the country for strikeouts in a single season (257). Autumn Courtney named ASUN Player of the Week (2x in April) Autumn Courtney surpassed 400-career strikeouts against Austin Peay. Courtney now sits third on the all-time career list at Queens. Kayla Smith named to the 2024 ASUN All-Academic Team Autumn Courtney and Kayla Smith were each named to the 2024 All-ASUN Second Team. Kayla Smith was the first position player in program history to earn the accolade. End of 2023 Goins tabbed a 12-17 record when she took over the program in April 2023. Autumn Courtney was named to All-ASUN Second Team and All-Freshman Team   Playing Career – Lincoln Memorial University Goins spent five seasons as a student-athlete and spent another year as a graduate assistant with the Railsplitters. Was a four-time All-SAC First Team member. Was the 2021 SAC Player of the Year. Earned D2CCA All-American honors twice Was recognized on the D2CCA All-Southeast Region and NFCA All-Southeast Region Teams. Was the NCAA II National Statistical Leader in doubles per game in 2019.

Sierra Vanzant-Cheek enters her first year with the Royals as an associate head coach, and her fourth year overall with the program. In her first season with Queens, Vanzant-Cheek laid the foundation for Queens' pitching staff at the Division I level, and notably in her second season, she guided standout pitcher Autumn Courtney to a historic 2024 campaign. Under Vanzant-Cheek's mentorship, Courtney made 38 appearances with 29 starts, posting a 2.98 ERA and a 15-10 record while striking out 191 batters. She earned ASUN All-Second Team and All-Freshman First Team honors, further establishing the Royals' presence in the league. The Royals earned their first-ever bid to the ASUN Championship that same year, and followed with another appearance in 2025. Prior to Queens, Vanzant-Cheek served as pitching, catching, and infield coach at Belmont Abbey College from 2018-2023, where her staff decreased walks by 50-percent, lowered opponent on-base percentages, and increased strikeouts per season. Her bullpen achievements included multiple all-tournament pitchers and program records in team ERA and shutouts. She also played a significant role in facility enhancements and program development. She brings additional experience as a private pitching, catching, and hitting instructor, along with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Health and Wellness, and Athletic Coaching from High Point University. Prior to joining the Belmont Abbey staff, Vanzant-Cheek coached at Wesleyan Christian Academy and served as a head coach in the Lady Blues' highly competitive travel ball organization. She also served as a private pitching and catching instructor at the Sanbill Pitching Academy working with Billy “Chief” Gerald.  She currently resides in Lexington, N.C. with her husband Chris Cheek and three dogs, Bella, Diesel, and Malibu.