Oregon softball: Ducks add young talent to softball coaching staff
By Ethan Lee
The University of Oregon softball team isn’t just adding impressive transfers on to its roster, the Melyssa Lombardi and the Oregon Ducks are also making some intriguing changes to the Oregon softball coaching staff. The Ducks have brought in some interesting young talent following the conclusion of the 2024 Oregon softball season.
Karlie Charles is joining the Ducks coaching staff after her playing days came to a close. Charles, who is from Texas, played five seasons with the Iowa State Cyclones softball team and amassed a 33-30 record during her time in Ames, Iowa. She posted a 3.39 career ERA and also earned academic all-Big 12 honors on multiple occasions.
As Oregon’s official press release notes, Charles is stepping into the role that was vacated as Mariah Lopez graduated and was hired to be the pitching coach for Cal Baptist.
But Charles isn’t the only addition to the Ducks’ coaching staff. A familiar face for Oregon softball fans will also be moving into a coaching role with the Ducks.
Oregon Ducks softball: Ducks head coach Melyssa Lombardi adds two young assistants to her coaching staff
Former Oregon softball standout Ariel Carlson will be moving into the position of director of player development and analytics. Carlson, a Eugene local, is moving into coaching after wrapping up an impressive Oregon softball career that featured her hitting 15 home runs and stealing 15 bases this season (this is the first time an Oregon Duck has accomplished that feat).
In total, Carlson has hit 44 career home runs and managed to rack up 159 career RBIs. That’s pretty remarkable.
In Oregon’s press release, Lombardi’s statement displayed enthusiasm for the new additions to her coaching staff.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Karlie to the staff as well as having Ariel take on a new role for us. We couldn't be more happy for Mariah and Terra who are both joining the coaching ranks, but we are just as excited to add Karlie and Ariel with the experience that they are going to bring to the program."