WORCESTER -- WPI Director of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics Dana L. Harmon has announced the appointment of Katelyn Barton as the new head coach of the WPI softball program.
 
"We are excited to welcome Katelyn to Goat Nation as she continues her head coaching career with our WPI softball program," said Harmon. "Her experience as a former NEWMAC student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach will serve her well in leading our team and helping our student-athletes excel in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Katelyn's knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for coaching while leading young women came through in our search process and we look forward to her leadership."

Barton joins the Engineers after spending the past two seasons as head coach at Clark University, where she led the Cougars to back-to-back, double-digit wins in a season, the most since 2013. During her tenure, Clark posted a .954 team fielding percentage while the pitching staff recorded 170 strikeouts, both program bests in a season since 2010. Clark student-athletes also earned NEWMAC All-Conference and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region recognition.
 
Before becoming head coach at Clark, Barton spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Smith College and helped guide the Pioneers to their first postseason appearance since 2014. During her tenure, Smith softball produced a NEWMAC Player of the Year, five All-Conference selections and two NFCA All-Region honorees.
 
"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead WPI Softball and build on the strong foundation and history of success within this program," said Barton. "I am grateful to Dana Harmon and the search committee for their trust and confidence in me. I look forward to joining the WPI community and pursuing excellence together!"
 
Barton also brings experience as a four-year student-athlete at Wheaton College, where she started at shortstop and served as a team captain. She earned NEWMAC All-Conference honors during her playing career before graduating in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She later earned a master's degree in exercise science and sport studies from Smith College in 2024.