Kalamazoo College Softball Coaching Staff

Heather Wheaton
Head Coach

Heather (Frederick) Wheaton was named head softball coach on Monday, Dec. 12, 2005.

Wheaton came to Kalamazoo College from Comstock High School where she led the Colts to a 35-3 record last season, a 10-0 record in conference play, and conference and district championships. Wheaton was honored as the District Coach of the Year.

Wheaton currently works as a hitting instructor at Warden's Extra Innings and is the membership coordinator at Med Sport Inc. Previously, Wheaton served as an assistant varsity coach at Portage Northern High School and a graduate assistant coach at Savannah College of Art and Design (Ga.).

Wheaton graduated magna cum laude from Western Michigan University in 2003 with a psychology/sociology degree. She played rightfield and centerfield for the Broncos in 2002 and was one of only two players to start all 46 games that season. Wheaton earned a master's degree in physical education (sport management) from Western in 2005.

Wheaton also played softball at Lake Michigan College where she played outfield and infield. She was named to a district tournament team, was an NJCAA Academic All-American, and helped lead the team to a fourth-place finish at the Junior College Nationals.

Wheaton will be assisted by Jeremy Wheaton and Kristen Smith. Jeremy graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in exercise science in 2003. He was a graduate assistant strength coach for the Broncos, and currently works as the Associate Fitness Director at Bronson Athletic Club. Kristen Smith is the director of women's athletics at Kalamazoo College.

Kristen Smith
Assistant Coach

Kristen Smith will serve as the assistant softball coach in 2007. Kristen is also the director of women's athletics, assistant athletics trainer and an assistant professor of physical education.

Smith joined Kalamazoo College in 1992 as an assistant softball coach and athletics trainer, the first full-time athletic trainer in school history. Smith assisted for five seasons before taking over in as head softball coach in 1997. She led the Hornets to consecutive third-place finishes in the MIAA. In 1997, Kalamazoo won its first two league tournament games, knocking off Adrian (2-1) and nationally-ranked Alma (1-0) to advance to the tournament quarterfinals for the first time in school history.

Smith stepped down from her coaching position following the 1998 season to devote more time to the athletic training services. She has since moved into the position of director of women's athletics, while continuing to assist in athletic training and as an assistant professor of physical education.

A Palos Heights, Ill. native, Smith earned her bachelor's degree from Hope College in 1988. She served as an assistant coach for the Flying Dutch women's basketball team for three seasons, including the 1989-90 NCAA Division III national championship team. Smith earned a master's degree in athletic training at Western Michigan University in 1992.