Texas softball assistant Kristen Zaleski has been promoted to associate head coach of the softball program, Longhorns head coach Mike White announced on Tuesday afternoon. This change will solidify a key leadership role as the Longhorns chase after a repeat national championship.
“Coach Zaleski’s promotion to Associate Head Coach is richly deserved,” White said in a press release. “Texas softball is better because of Coach Zaleski, and I’m thrilled to keep building with her in this expanded role.”
Zaleski is entering her fourth season with Texas after being hired as an assistant in 2022. Before coming to the Forty Acres, Zaleski served as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma and as a head coach at both Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Temple College.
Zaleski was an integral part of Texas’ first national championship in 2025. Texas recorded 15 runs and 22 hits in 76 at-bats over the three-game championship series. Following the season, she and the rest of the coaching staff were honored as the ATEC/NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year.
During her freshman season, junior outfielder Kayden Henry worked closely with Zaleski to refine her skills and emerge as a standout position player, earning D1 Softball Freshman All-American and All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
Zaleski also contributed to the decision to move Henry from left field to centerfield, where she made a game-winning throw against No. 1 Oklahoma, cementing her reputation as a clutch playmaker. Beyond the outfield, Zaleski contributes on offense and first-base coaching.
“She has been instrumental to our success — leading our outfielders, serving as first base coach on game day, and elevating our hitters with her approach,” White said.
No. 1 Texas will open the 2026 season in San Antonio, Texas, at the UTSA Invitational on Friday against No. 9 Nebraska at 6:05 p.m.
