Hynes Named Head Mitchell Softball Coach

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Samantha Hynes has been named the next head coach of the Mitchell College softball program, as announced recently by Director of Athletics, Matt Finlayson.

Hynes will make her collegiate head coaching debut with the Mariners, who posted a program record 24 victories in 2023, and are expected to return five seniors, including four players who were named to the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) All Conference First-Team last spring.

"I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Matt Finlayson, for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead the Mariners softball program," shared Hynes. "I would also like to thank the athletic staff and softball student-athletes for their assistance and involvement with the hiring process. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their endless love, support, guidance and encouragement along the way to help me get here, as I pursue my first collegiate head coaching opportunity."

Hynes comes to Mitchell after most recently spending two seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Bryant University. With the Bulldogs, she was heavily involved in recruiting, skill development, practice planning, strength & conditioning, along with administrative and managerial duties, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and fundraising. Hynes also has extensive collegiate coaching camp experience, having led camps and clinics at Bryant, as well as having participated in various non-institutional camps and clinics.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sam Hynes as our next head softball coach," said Finlayson. "We are excited for Sam to continue the growth of the softball program as we play our first season in the GNAC. Sam brings an extensive softball background with a ton of player development and recruiting experience. Her passion for coaching, and vision for providing a first-class student-athlete experience will help ensure a bright future for our softball program."

Prior to her time at Bryant, Hynes was the head varsity softball coach at Cheshire Academy from 2013-2020. During her tenure in Cheshire, her teams earned four WNEPGSA Championships and made six-straight WNEPGSA Championship appearances. When she left for Bryant, she finished her coaching career at the preparatory school with a total winning percentage of .784. Along with coaching, Hynes also taught science at Cheshire Academy.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Hynes was a player at Division I Central Connecticut State University from 2008-2012. As a player, she won an Academic All-American award and graduated with a GPA of 3.56 and a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Hynes went on to earn her Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership from Central Connecticut in 2019.

"I am most looking forward to working with a team that wants to work hard and excel in all areas, whether it's personally, professionally, academically and athletically," continued Hynes. "I fully intend on building on the successful season the program had last season, by implementing new ideas and tactical approaches that will elevate everyone's physical and mental abilities, ultimately allowing us to compete as a team at an elite level."

Hynes currently resides in Suffield, CT, with her husband Kevin, son Cameron, and yellow-lab Simba.