Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College has named Mary Holt-Kelsch as the interim head softball coach.
 
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Donald E. Tencher and Associate Athletic Director Jo-Ann D'Alessandro for this incredible opportunity to lead this softball program to new heights of success. It is a great privilege to be an Anchorwoman," Holt-Kelsch said. 
 
"I am thrilled to join the Rhode Island College athletics family. We will strive to compete at a high level on the field and in the classroom. Our goal will be to build a strong culture that believes in working at a championship level, competing at a championship level, and remembering it is always a together effort on our way to meet our goals." 
 
Prior to taking the RIC position, Holt-Kelsch spent six seasons at the University Rhode Island, joining Bridget Hurlman's staff as an assistant coach in August 2015.
 
Promoted to associate head coach in May of 2019, Holt-Kelsh helped rebuild the program. In 2019, URI increased its win total for the second straight season, winning 17 games. Despite starting five freshmen for much of the season, the Rams won their most games in seven seasons. Freshmen Ari Castillo and Sami Villarreal both were named to the league's all-rookie team. Castillo earned two A-10 Rookie of the Week honors, while Villarreal and Faith Musselwhite each got the award once. Senior Becca Rogers earned two Pitcher of the Week awards. As a team, Rhode Island had a breakthrough season offensively in 2019, setting single-season program records in home runs (33), slugging percentage (.398) and on-base percentage (.341). The team batting average (.260) was Rhody's highest since 1997, and the fifth highest in program history.

Holt-Kelsch, who came to Rhode Island after two seasons as an assistant at Lafayette, worked primarily with the infielders. She was also a hitting instructor and assisted with recruiting. She was in charge of equipment, camps/clinics, alumni relations and assisting with other areas of the program.

In her first season, Holt helped Rhode Island's offense hit 21 home runs, a significant jump from the nine the team hit the year before. The Rams also scored 138 runs, an improvement of 19 runs from the previous season.
 
During her time at Lafayette, Holt's success led to her being promoted to the top assistant position on Jexx Varner's staff. In addition to helping the team improve their overall fielding percentage, Holt also monitored and mentored the student-athletes, helping Lafayette achieve the highest GPA in program history during the 2015 season.
 
In addition to her coaching duties at RIC, Holt-Kelsch is a skills instructor at Planet Fastpitch in Uxbridge, Mass.
 
Holt also served as the volunteer head coach for the New England Phoenix Gold in Providence, R.I. from 2010-13.

A native of Providence, R.I., Holt is a 2013 graduate of Kent State University. She was a three-year starter in the infield and finished her career tied for sixth in program history in home runs. Holt earned her bachelor's degree in business administration and also collected Mid-American Conference All-Academic Team honors.