Search

University of Kentucky

UK Athletics
 Joe Craft Center - 338 Lexington Ave Lexington, KY 405060604
Division 1 Kentucky Midwest
Public Very Large National competitor
I'm interested in this program!

Coaches

Email coach

Rachel Lawson

When Rachel Lawson was named head coach of the University of Kentucky softball team in July 2007 she saw a program poised for success. She knew athletics director Mitch Barnhart and the rest of UK’s administration would give her unwavering support, and most importantly she knew the Big Blue Nation would provide the home-field advantage necessary for her team to compete in the Southeastern Conference.


Entering her 16th season as UK’s head coach in 2023, Lawson’s vision for the UK softball program has become a realization. The winningest head coach in program history has not only lead UK to its first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series, eight NCAA Super Regionals the last 11 seasons, including a program-best 50 wins in 2014, but UK’s administration come through on their promise and commitment to softball by providing Lawson with one of the nation’s greatest collegiate softball facilities in the $9.5 million John Cropp Stadium.


She became the first coach in program history to eclipse 400 wins at Kentucky against Utah on Feb. 15 in a 13-2 win over Utah at the inaugural ESPN St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational Presented by Wilson.


In 2014, Lawson guided Kentucky to the Women’s College World Series behind 50 wins. The Wildcats also set single-season records in at-bats, runs scored, doubles, home runs, RBI, total bases, walks, fielding percentage, putouts, lowest ERA and strikeouts. UK, which advanced to the program’s first SEC Tournament Championship, started the season with a program-best 12 straight wins.


Seven of the last nine full seasons, Lawson has led the Wildcats to a national seed in the NCAA Tournament. The school’s first-ever national seed was in 2013 – and UK hosted an NCAA Regional for the first time ever. Kentucky, which has made the NCAA Tournament each of the last 13 seasons, is one of just 16 schools nationally to claim that honor.


In 2019, Kentucky had one of its best offensive seasons ever – setting the school record for runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and trying the program best with 71 home runs. Abbey Cheek was named the 2019 SEC Player of the Year, becoming the first player under Lawson to win a conference Player of the Year honor. Additionally, UK made its third-straight NCAA Super Regional and swept its way through the Lexington Regional for a third-straight season.


She guided the Wildcats to a run-rule sweep of the 2018 NCAA Lexington Regional, as the Wildcats became just the third team in NCAA history to run rule all three games of a regional. Kentucky beat Illinois-Chicago 10-1 in the opening round, shutout Notre Dame 10-0 in the 1-0 game and then ended the weekend with a 9-1 win over the Fighting Irish to book UK’s sixth ticket to the NCAA Super Regionals.


Lawson helped guide Kentucky to its best regular season in program history in 2016, winning 43 games in the regular season, ending with a No. 9 national seed in the NCAA Tournament, a new program best. The Wildcats earned the right to host the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington. Lawson was named the 2016 SEC Coach of the Year, and joined Kelsey Nunley (SEC Pitcher of the Year) as the first two Kentucky winners of those awards.


The 2016 team finished with some of the best pitching numbers in program history, setting school records in the circle for lowest team ERA (1.71), lowest opponent batting average (.191), fewest runs allowed (130), fewest earned runs allowed (98), fewest hits allowed (280) and fewest doubles allowed (44)


Lawson has won 587 career games at the head of the dugout and has coached four National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Americans in the last 10 years. Abbey Cheek became the first unanimous All-American in program history in 2019 after the most prolific offensive season in Kentucky annals. In 2016, senior pitcher Kelsey Nunley became the second All-American in program history (Molly Johnson, 2nd Team), and the first to be named to the First Team. That was followed by Katie Reed in the 2018 season, who was named to the third team.


Now sitting at 495-295 in her 14 seasons at Kentucky, Lawson is the winningest head coach in school history and already has more wins in SEC play than UK had all told as a program when she took over in 2007. UK finished the 2014 season ranked sixth in both national listings for its best final ranking ever. In 2013, Kentucky was ranked in the top 14 of both collegiate softball rankings for the second time in school history with nine wins over ranked teams. In her 14 seasons at Kentucky, Lawson has defeated over 113 ranked foes, including 57 wins vs. top-10 teams and 32 against top-five teams.

show more
Email coach

Kristine Himes

Talk with Kentucky softball head coach Rachel Lawson for two minutes about her program and its recent success and she will inevitably push off credit to associate head coach Kristine Himes, who is entering her 16th season with UK’s program in 2023, and has been with Lawson every step of the way in Lexington.


Himes is in her 12th season as the associate head coach of the Kentucky softball team after serving four seasons as assistant coach until a promotion following the 2011 season. Himes handles many day-to-day dealings with the program and is responsible for the development of the Wildcats’ infield. She also is UK’s hitting coach and has led some of the highest power offensives in school history in her time with the Wildcats.


Himes helped guide Abbey Cheek to the 2019 SEC Player of the Year award, not only serving as her hitting coach, but also working closely with the infielders. Himes pushed Cheek to not only the SEC Player of the Year award, but a finalist for the HONDA Award, an NFCA Unanimous First Team All-American and a CoSIDA Academic All-District member.


On the field, Kentucky’s batters have improved dramatically since Himes’ arrival. The Wildcats charted an improved team batting average in six of Himes’ first seven seasons in Lexington. In fact, in the six years before Himes arrived at Kentucky, UK had only posted a team batting average over .255 two times, while UK has earned that honor in all 11 years under Himes’ tutelage.


The 2019 offense was Himes’ best at Kentucky, as she guided the Wildcats to setting the school record for runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and trying the program best with 71 home runs. Additionally, UK made its third-straight NCAA Super Regional and swept its way through the Lexington Regional for a third-straight season.


In 2017, she guided the Wildcats offense to a run-rule sweep of the 2018 NCAA Lexington Regional, as the Wildcats became just the third team in NCAA history to run rule all three games of a regional. Kentucky beat Illinois-Chicago 10-1 in the opening round, shutout Notre Dame 10-0 in the 1-0 game and then ended the weekend with a 9-1 win over the Fighting Irish to book UK’s sixth ticket to the NCAA Super Regionals.


In 2014, Himes helped guide Kentucky’s to its first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series behind some impressive defense and clutch hits. The Wildcats broke several single-season records en route to the program’s first 50-win season, tying the school record for most home runs in a game with five against Ole Miss, while it hit 71 home runs overall, breaking the previous program record for homers in a season. UK also set single-season records in runs scored, doubles, RBI, total bases and walks drawn.

Defensively in 2018, Himes’ coaching led Kentucky to its best season in the field in her tenure, setting a program record .977 fielding percentage, including a program-best 1,455 putouts.


The 2014 season was a continuation of the progress UK has shown under Himes as UK’s offense in 2013 set or tied several school records as well. The Wildcats posted 62 home runs in 2013, which is the third most in program history. Himes preached patience at the plate in 2013 with UK responding by drawing the second-most walks in school history with 211 and moving runners around when they did get on base with 69 stolen bases.


Himes’ coaching showed in UK’s win over top-25 North Carolina in 2013 as the Wildcats set countless school records in the win. UK had 18 runs against UNC, which tied the most runs in a game with Kentucky’s eventual 18-0 win marking the largest margin of victory in school history. UK had four homers in the game, which at the time was the most in a game in school history, while UK’s 18 RBI was the most ever in a single game. Entering the game vs. UNC, UK had scored 12 or more runs in a game 27 times in school history with the Wildcats reaching that mark in the first inning alone against the Tar Heels.


The 2013 team hit three or more home runs in eight games, including four or more home runs three times. UK hit a school record five home runs against Middle Tennessee State, while it hit four homers in game one of the 2013 NCAA Tempe Super Regional, the most homers ever hit in an NCAA Tournament game for UK.


In 2011, Himes took over duties as UK’s third base coach and the Wildcats delivered by shattering six offensive records including batting average (.295) and home runs (65). Four different players posted 10 or more homers in a season for the first time in school history.


The stage was set in 2010 for an offensive outbreak when UK had a .269 combined batting average with four players batting over .325.


Himes developed former All-American player Molly (Johnson) Belcher, who broke numerous school records, including the school’s batting average and home run records when she graduated. She also notched single-season records with 81 hits in 2009 and 20 doubles in 2008.


Brittany Cervantes, who graduated in 2012, excelled under Himes, ending her career ranking first in the UK records for home runs with 48. Cervantes also finished top 10 in the UK career rankings in doubles, walks, RBI, runs scored and slugging percentage. In addition, the tandem of former stars Meagan Aull and Megan Yocke rank among UK’s all-time leaders in nearly every offensive category including batting average, doubles, home runs and stolen bases.


Himes showed her ability to develop talent in 2012, when she led Cervantes, Kara Dill and Griffin Joiner to All-SEC honors. Cervantes had a great senior season, leading the team in home runs, RBI and doubles. Dill continued to show offensive improvement leading the team with a .351 average and a career-high 71 hits, which ranked fifth-most all-time in school history. Joiner had a great freshman season, hitting .278 with 20 RBI and four homers.


Prior to joining UK, Himes served under Lawson at Western Kentucky for one season. The Hilltoppers emerged as one of the top teams in the conference.


Himes’ coaching career began at George Washington University, where she spent two seasons helping the Colonials continue to establish themselves as a Division I program.


Himes made her professional debut in 2006 with the Philadelphia Force before spending one season at Western Kentucky.


A native of Bolivar, Ohio, Himes was an All-Big Ten standout power-hitting third baseman for the Ohio State University. Himes finished her career as the Buckeyes’ all-time career (41) and single-season (16) home run leader. She also was second in career games played and ranks in the top five in walks and RBI. The 2002 year marked a defining season in Buckeye history as Himes also helped lead OSU to a 55-14 record and an NCAA Regional Championship appearance. She was also invited to participate in the Olympic Training Camp that spring.


Himes graduated from OSU with a degree in business administration also earned a master’s in sport management from WKU in 2007.


Himes Coaching History


Coaching History:

2012-Present: Kentucky, Associate Head Coach

2008-11: Kentucky, Assistant Coach

2007: Western Kentucky, Assistant Coach

2005-06: George Washington, Assistant Coach


Playing History:

2006: Philadelphia Force

2000-03: Ohio State

show more
Email coach

Molly Belcher

Kentucky’s first NFCA All-American

UK all-time hits leader for 14 years

2nd overall pick in NPF Draft

2009 and 2010 USA Softball National Team

PanAm Games (Team USA)


When former Kentucky standout Molly Belcher played her last game in a UK uniform in 2010 some wondered what direction the program would head without its most productive offensive player ever. And although Johnson hasn’t picked up a bat or glove in a game since 2010, head coach Rachel Lawson has still not spent a day as UK’s head coach without the talented player – and now coach – Belcher is entering her 14th season in 2024 as an assistant coach for the UK softball team.


Belcher, a four-year starter for the Wildcats, began her coaching career as an undergraduate assistant at UK in the fall of 2010 before being promoted to full time assistant coach prior to the 2011 spring season. Her impact on the program as a coach has been similar to her impact as a player, helping Kentucky to some of the best seasons in school history, including a school-record 50 wins and a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2014.


The 2019 offense was one of the best at Kentucky, as she helped guide the Wildcats to setting the school record for runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and trying the program best with 71 home runs. Additionally, UK made its third-straight NCAA Super Regional and swept its way through the Lexington Regional for a third-straight season.


In 2017, she guided the Wildcats offense to a run-rule sweep of the 2018 NCAA Lexington Regional, as the Wildcats became just the third team in NCAA history to run rule all three games of a regional. Kentucky beat Illinois-Chicago 10-1 in the opening round, shutout Notre Dame 10-0 in the 1-0 game and then ended the weekend with a 9-1 win over the Fighting Irish to book UK’s sixth ticket to the NCAA Super Regionals.


In 2014, Johnson-Belcher helped guide Kentucky to its best season in program history. Her impact on UK’s infield defense shined bright as underclassmen infielders Christian Stokes and Nikki Sagermann improved every day defensively for UK, while Krystal Smith showed drastic improvements defensively from years past to provide UK depth at third base and second base. The Wildcats responded to Johnson-Belcher’s teachings by posting the best fielding percentage in program history.


In 2013, Johnson-Belcher, who is responsible for scouting, coaching film and on-field coaching of the infield, helped Lawson and associate head coach Kristine Himes mold a young team into a NCAA Tournament national seed that went to a NCAA Super Regional and finished ranked in the top 15 of both collegiate softball final rankings.


In her first year coaching at her alma mater in 2011, Johnson-Belcher helped UK to a then-school-record 40-win season, serving as the first base coach where UK shattered six offensive single-season records in the history-making season. She is also responsible for scouting, film and on-field coaching in the infield.

In her seven years coaching at Kentucky, Johnson-Belcher as helped guide Kentucky to a new program-record win total four times.


Johnson-Belcher had an impressive playing career after her collegiate career ended as she suited up for the United States National Team a few years. She began her career with Team USA prior to her senior season at Kentucky.


Perhaps the most productive player in school history, Johnson-Belcher capped her career as the all-time best in home runs (35) and batting average (.389) in school history. Her efficiency extended to the field where she was a dynamic shortstop as the cornerstone of Lawson’s defense in starting in more than 100 career games.


Johnson-Belcher became the Wildcats’ first All-America selection after a sensational junior season where she had career-highs in nine offensive categories while breaking three single-season Kentucky records. She set UK seasonal records in runs scored (53), hits (81) and on-base percentage (.498) en route to her garnering All-America status.


After emerging as one of the best collegiate players, Johnson-Belcher continued her career with the United States National team in the summers of 2009 and 2010. Johnson-Belcher suited up with the USA Futures squad in the 2010 summer and compiled an impressive 3-3 record against the world’s top softball talent.


Kentucky’s former great made her presence felt for the Futures team as she started all six contests at the shortstop position. Johnson-Belcher’s defensive prowess was on notice for the world as she racked up 14 putouts and nine assists at the tournament. At the plate, Johnson-Belcher batted .200 for the weekend and accumulated four hits. She delivered on all of those hits, however, as she totaled four RBI.


While at UK, Johnson-Belcher spent countless hours working the Kentucky softball camps and clinics while also serving as an undergraduate volunteer assistant coach in the fall of 2009.


Johnson-Belcher married in the summer of 2013 to Allen Belcher, who also works at UK Athletics as the assistant director of equipment operations. They have three daughters.


Johnson Coaching/Playing History

Coaching History:

2011-Present: Kentucky, assistant coach

2010: Kentucky, undergrduate assistant coach


Playing History:

2009-12: USA Futures

2007-2010: Kentucky

show more

College Bound Athletes

Showcase Tips

Are you ready for your next college showcase?
I have used the Soccer in College site for 8 years, and it has helped me keep my personal and soccer information up to date, and has helped be track college contacts and interest. I think the site helped me prepare for college offers, and helped me determine that I wanted to play for UNC.
- Maggie PierceWhat are others saying?