KEENE, N.H.—Keene State College head softball coach Carrah Fisk Hennessey '99 has announced her resignation, effective immediately, to take a position as Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Keene.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to extend my personal and professional strengths on a broader scale, positively influencing an even larger community as the new Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Keene. It's a remarkable opportunity for both myself and my family, one that I gratefully accept."
A former KSC standout, Fisk Hennessey was appointed in an interim basis in August of 2014 and was named permanent head coach five months later.
Under her watch, the Owls captured the Little East Conference regular season championship in 2016, the first time in six years. In 2021, the Owls reached the semifinals of the LEC tournament before falling to nationally ranked Eastern Connecticut State University.
Mariah Crisp became the Owls' all-time leader in strikeouts under her watch, and was LEC Pitcher of the Year in 2016. Nine players in total earned All-LEC honors, with a further five earning All-LEC Rookie nods, most recently freshmen Elyse Picard and Grace Wallace. Keene State softball also succeeded in the classroom, with 44 players earning Scholar-Athlete All-America honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for earning at least a 3.5 grade point average.
One of the all-time great players to wear a KSC uniform, Fisk Hennessey was a four-time All-Conference and three-time All-Region selection, and still ranks among the college's career leaders in multiple statistical categories, including batting average, home runs, and RBI. She also holds the single-season home run record with 16 in 1999. She was inducted into the KSC Athletics/Alumni Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Little East Conference Hall of Fame in 2018.
"Saying goodbye to 20 years of college coaching is bittersweet. I've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional colleagues and students at KSC, and I take pride in the connections I've fostered - both on our campus and within our community - over the past decade," said Fisk Hennessey."
"I am deeply thankful for the opportunities Keene State has afforded me, as a student, coach, professor, advisor, and alum. I appreciate the support of the athletics department in this transition and know wholeheartedly that our Owls will continue to thrive through the dedication of my coaching peers, the commitment of our student-athletes, and the outstanding efforts of our athletic training, sports information, and administrative teams."
"I am extremely grateful for Carrah's passion and commitment to the Keene State College softball program," said Keene State Director of Athletics Marty Testo.
"As a KSC and LEC Hall of Fame member, she has impacted this program as a player and coach. Her involvement in the community and leadership to our student-athletes through SAAC will be missed. I wish her the best on her new professional journey."
A search for her replacement will begin in due course.
