Softball 7/17/2024 3:07:00 PM Justin Mordecai, Director of Athletic Communications

CAU Announces the Hiring of Nicole Bayona as the Second Head Softball Coach in the Program's History

Nicole Bayona appointed as head softball coach

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Clark Atlanta University athletics department is proud to announce the hiring of Nicole Bayona as the next head softball coach to lead the Lady Panthers' softball program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Nicole Bayona as our new head softball coach. Coach Bayona brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to our program. Her impressive 34-16 record at Keiser and her 2022 national championship at Florida National University are testaments to her energy and commitment to fostering a championship culture. We are excited about the future of Clark Atlanta University softball under her leadership." said Director of Athletics Dr. Jerel Drew

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.
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