Parsons retires as UCA softball head coach after storied career

After more than three decades in collegiate softball, Jenny Parsons has announced her retirement as head coach of Central Arkansas’ softball program.

Parsons, who spent 14 years in Conway-including the past four as head coach-leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come.

Her tenure at UCA included 136 wins as head coach, culminating in a career total of 305 head coaching victories across her time at both Nicholls and Central Arkansas. Under her leadership, the Bears experienced a golden era, highlighted by:

• The 2022 ASUN West title
• The 2023 ASUN regular season and tournament championships
• The program’s first-ever NCAA Regional win, defeating Long Island in the Tuscaloosa Regional

Sweeping in-state rival Arkansas in 2023, including a 2-1 win in Fayetteville and a 4-0 shutout at Farris Field before a record crowd of 2,475 fans.

Parsons’ commitment to player development was evident, with 28 ASUN All-Conference athletes coached under her watch, including three consecutive ASUN Defensive Players of the Year and a Pitcher of the Year. Her efforts were recognized when she was named the unanimous ASUN Coach of the Year and Extra Inning Softball’s Mid-Major Head Coach of the Year after leading the Bears to a program-record 45 wins in 2023.

Reflecting on her time at UCA, Parsons expressed deep gratitude:
“There are so many people to thank, I’ve loved my time here in Conway,” Parsons said in a story at UCASports.com. “Thank you to Dave Kuhn for bringing me to Conway.

“Thank you to Dr. Brad Teague and Matt Whiting for believing in me and supporting this program. To every assistant coach, support staff member, every player, fan and supporter, thank you for all the time and support you’ve given to me and this team.

“I have enjoyed every day here, and I believe that we built a great program here, we won a lot of games, and I think we did it the right way. I’ve loved this place for 14 years, but it’s time for me to be closer to my family and enter the private sector, and I’m excited about the future, not only for me, but for this team as well.”

Before leading UCA, Parsons was an assistant coach for a decade, contributing to 440 of the Bears’ 749 program wins.

Her coaching journey also included a successful stint at Nicholls, where she led the Colonels to four postseason appearances and a Southland Conference Tournament Championship game in 2008.

As an assistant at East Carolina, her pitching expertise helped set school records and secure the program’s first conference title and NCAA Tournament bid. Parsons is a 2016 East Carolina University Hall of Fame inductee, recognized for her outstanding playing and coaching contributions.

“Coach Parsons has been a mainstay in our softball program for the last 14 years, and her leadership as head coach since 2021 has brought about many great accomplishments and memories for the program,” UCA athletics director Matt Whiting said.

“I know this decision has weighed on her heavily, but I also know she is excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to be closer to family.

“Because of that, I am excited for Jenny and very thankful for all that she has done for our program, department, and University. We will begin a search for the next leader our softball program immediately.”