The softball team will have a new head coach at its helm this year, as former college player Kayla Padroff joins the Pelicans after successful coaching stints at two other Connecticut independent schools.

In addition to head coaching the softball team, Kayla is Loomis Chaffee’s new director of student activities and an assistant coach for the Varsity Volleyball program. 

“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be taking over the Loomis Chaffee softball program,” Kayla said. “I’m looking forward to growing the game of softball here on the Island and putting my own individual stamp on this program.”

Kayla comes to Loomis Chaffee after two years at Founders League foe Kent School, where she served as head coach for varsity volleyball, assistant coach for varsity softball and associate director of admissions. During her time at Kent, she built a strong foundation and team culture for the volleyball program in its inaugural season entering the Founders League.

Prior to Kent, Kayla worked and coached at her alma mater, Cheshire Academy, and guided the softball team to its fifth New England Prep School Athletic Conference championship. As a player at Cheshire, Kayla’s team won back-to-back NEPSAC Championships in 2013 and 2014.

Kayla graduated from Springfield College in 2018, where she was the starting third baseman for the Pride. In her junior and senior seasons, she was on the Student Athlete Leadership Team and she was awarded the conference All-Sportsmanship Team Award her senior year. An active member of the softball community, Coach Padroff is part of a strong network of college and high school coaches. She is involved with travel programs in Connecticut and coached at the Revolution Softball Camp in July.