WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Carolina University Director of Athletics Chelsea Jones has announced the hiring of Danielle Parks as the next Head Coach of the Bruins Softball program.
Parks joins Carolina University after a successful coaching career at both the collegiate and high school levels, bringing a proven record of program development, player growth, and competitive success.
"We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Parks to Carolina University," said Athletic Director Chelsea Jones. "Danielle has demonstrated excellence as both a coach and mentor, building winning cultures while developing student-athletes on and off the field. Her passion for faith, academics, and athletic achievement aligns perfectly with the mission of Carolina University. We are excited to see the impact she will have on our softball program and our student-athletes."
A native of Hampstead, North Carolina, Parks has quickly established herself as one of the rising coaches in the region. She began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Yakima Valley College before spending two seasons as an assistant coach at King University. Most recently, she served as head coach at Topsail High School, where she led the Pirates to consecutive successful seasons and a conference championship.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the Carolina University softball program," Danielle Parks said. "My goal has been to find an opportunity that feels like home, and I believe that's the feeling everyone has at Carolina University. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special community and look forward to building a championship culture centered on faith, growth, and excellence."
In her first season as head coach at Topsail High School in 2025, Parks guided the Pirates to a 13-9 record and helped develop three All-Conference selections. During her second season in 2026, she transformed the program into a Carolina Coast Conference Championship team, finishing with a 16-8 record and producing five All-Conference players, including the Carolina Coast Conference Player of the Year. Her efforts earned her recognition as the 2026 Coastal Preps Midseason Coach of the Year.
Prior to her time at Topsail, Parks spent two seasons as an assistant coach at King University. During the 2023 season, King captured the Conference Carolinas Regular Season Championship with a 31-20 record. The team produced four All-Conference selections, two All-Region honorees, and one All-American. In 2024, King won the Northwest Division Championship with a 27-24 record while developing three All-Conference players and two Academic All-District honorees.
As a student-athlete, Parks was a four-year standout at King University, playing both middle infield and outfield positions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from King University and brings a strong understanding of collegiate athletics from both the player and coaching perspectives.
Parks expressed excitement about joining the Bruins and building a championship-caliber program.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the Carolina University softball program," Parks said. "My goal has been to find an opportunity that feels like home, and I believe that's the feeling everyone has at Carolina University. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special community and look forward to building a championship culture centered on faith, growth, and excellence."
Carolina University welcomes Danielle Parks and looks forward to the future of Bruins Softball under her leadership.
