D1 Softball Release

FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton's former head softball coach Kelly Ford has been named to D1Softball's Top 25 Non-P4 Head Coaches of the Quarter-Century, recognizing her as one of the most impactful program leaders in college softball over the past 25 years. Ford, the third head coach in Fullerton's 47-year Division I history, earned the honor based solely on on-field results and student-athlete development at the Mid-Major level.

The recognition was limited to head coaches who served at least 10 years in the last quarter-century, with only accomplishments since 2000 considered. Power 4 experience and records were intentionally excluded, focusing instead on coaches who built, elevated, and sustained winning programs outside the sport's most resourced conferences.

Ford retired following the 2024 season after 12 years at the helm in Fullerton, where she collected 410 victories and led the Titans to six Big West championships, seven NCAA Tournament appearances, and five Big West Coach of the Year honors. 

Her career totals include 865 wins across 23 seasons as a head coach at Cal State Fullerton and Mt. San Antonio College, highlighted by 60 victories over Power 5 opponents and a long list of team and individual accolades. Under her leadership, the Titans produced three All-Americans, two NFCA Gold Glove recipients, one NFCA Gold Shoe winner, eight Big West Players of the Year, six Big West Pitchers of the Year, and three Defensive Players of the Year. Ford coached 20 All-Region selections, six of whom earned multiple honors, and guided 48 student-athletes to 91 All-Big West awards.

Ford built a powerhouse at Mt. SAC from 2002–12, winning four California State Championships, seven South Coast Conference titles, and five SCC Coach of the Year awards while compiling a dominant 455-102-1 (.816) record. She was inducted into the California Community College Softball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.

Her final season at Fullerton in 2024 fittingly ended with a Big West title. The Titans finished 39-19 overall, reclaimed the Big West title with a 22-5 conference record, and went 11-1 at home against league opponents. Ford closed her Titan tenure with a 190-65 Big West record and a 230-118 mark at Anderson Family Field, never posting a losing season at any stop in her 23 years as a head coach.

Ford also served the game nationally through multiple NFCA committees, including the All-American and Regional Ranking committees.

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