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This article appears on https://www.theday.com/sports/20231212/hynes-named-softball-coach-at-mitchell-college/.
By Day Staff Reports
New London – Samantha Hynes has been named the head coach of the Mitchell College softball program, announced recently by Director of Athletics, Matt Finlayson.
Hynes will make her collegiate head coaching debut with the Mariners, who posted a program record 24 victories in 2023, and are expected to return five seniors, including four players who were named to the New England Collegiate Conference All Conference First-Team last spring.
“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead the Mariners softball program,” Hynes said in a release. “I would also like to thank the athletic staff and softball student-athletes for their assistance and involvement with the hiring process. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their endless love, support, guidance and encouragement along the way to help me get here, as I pursue my first collegiate head coaching opportunity.”
Hynes spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bryant University. Prior to her time at Bryant, Hynes was the head softball coach at Cheshire Academy from 2013-2020. During her tenure in Cheshire, her teams earned four WNEPGSA Championships and made six-straight WNEPGSA Championship appearances.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sam Hynes as our next head softball coach,” said Finlayson in a release. “We are excited for Sam to continue the growth of the softball program as we play our first season in the GNAC. Sam brings an extensive softball background with a ton of player development and recruiting experience. Her passion for coaching, and vision for providing a first-class student-athlete experience will help ensure a bright future for our softball program.”
Hynes played at Central Connecticut State University from 2008-2012. As a player, she won an Academic All-American award and graduated with a GPA of 3.56 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Hynes went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from Central Connecticut in 2019.