Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

Kelly Wooden has been named the new assistant softball coach at Cal Poly Humboldt, the Jacks announced this week.

Wooden brings more than 25 years of softball coaching experience, most recently serving as a college liaison and coach with the California Breeze softball organization. 

According to a press release announcing the new hire, Wooden’s “diverse coaching background spans private instruction, competitive travel ball, college recruiting support, and coaching at the junior college level.”

And head coach Megan Correia is looking forward to working alongside the new hire.

“I’m excited to welcome Kelly to our program,” Correia said. “She brings over two decades of coaching experience across multiple levels, and her knowledge of the game, combined with her passion for player development, will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

As a collegiate athlete, Wooden played at the University of Oregon from 1992 to 1996, where she was a four-year letter winner. 

A standout moment of her career was helping lead the Ducks to the final game of the NCAA Super Regionals.

During her college years, Wooden also competed in travel ball for Stark Street Pizza out of Southern Oregon, earning All-Tournament honors at the final Redding Rebels tournament hosted in Redding. 

She later played with the NorCal Shots, winning the ASA National Championship in 1994.

Wooden’s playing career began in baseball, where she earned multiple All-Star selections.

At Shasta High School, she transitioned to softball, becoming a four-year varsity starter. 

And the new coach is looking forward to the opportunity of working with the CPH players.

“I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to return to the collegiate softball stage as a coach,” Wooden said. “Humboldt has a rich history of successful softball and strong traditions. My hope is to positively contribute to that legacy and help build on coach Correia’s vision for the program.”

Wooden earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Fine Applied Arts from the University of Oregon in 1996.

She is married to Jeff Hornbuckle, and together they have two children, Gracie and Joey.