WILKES-BARRE – Following the departure of Jackie Klahold '15 MS, Wilkes University Athletic Director Scott Musa has tabbed Casey Carpenter to Assistant Athletic Director for Game Operations and Head Softball Coach.

Carpenter becomes the 11^th head coach in program history after five years as an assistant in the Colonel dugout.

"Casey is more than ready to take this step in her career," said Musa. "She has worked under Jackie Klahold's mentorship for five years and knows exactly what it takes to be successful here at Wilkes not just with the softball program, but game operations as well. I am very happy to be working with her in this new role."

Carpenter joined the Wilkes Softball staff in 2021 as an assistant coach after graduating from Lock Haven University, while also coaching softball in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area at the 12u and 14u levels.

Since joining the navy and gold, Carpenter has helped coach the team to three playoff berths between the Landmark and Middle Atlantic Conferences, 19 All-Conference selections, and three NFCA All-Region selections. She also served as the Interim Intramural Director from October 2023 to May 2024.

"I have to thank Jackie Klahold for guiding me and being a great mentor over these last five seasons. I'm excited to be able to step into this role and continue to guide the Wilkes softball team in the Landmark Conference," Carpenter said. "Thank you to Scott Musa for trusting and believing in me to continue this program's success on and off the field."

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach at a local college, build strong relationships through recruiting in our area and surrounding communities, and continue the success and standards that has already been established within the program."

During her time at Lock Haven, Carpenter was a five-year member and two-year captain of the Bald Eagles, earning All-PSAC First Team honors in 2019. She finished her career with a .275 batting average, .516 slugging percentage, 28 home runs, and 95 RBIs. Off the field, Carpenter earned PSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition and was named to the Lock Haven's Dean's List. She was also awarded the Soaring Eagle Award in 2021, given to the Lock Haven softball senior who is both a hard-working leader and intrinsically motivated. She graduated with a degree in health and physical education in the spring of 2021.