Associate Head Coach

Claire Buckley, Associate Head Coach for the women’s softball team, is a passionate coach whose love for softball, teaching, and mentoring drives her work. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Instructional Leadership from Arizona Christian University, equipping her with the tools to lead and inspire the next generation of student-athletes. Buckley’s coaching journey was inspired by her deep connection to softball, one of her first loves, and the profound influence of her brother, Jordan, who significantly shaped her career as a player. Her decision to join Nelson University was driven by the school’s Christ-first worldview and strong values, which align closely with her own beliefs. Buckley integrates Christian principles into her coaching philosophy by prioritizing character over performance and purpose over pressure. She models servant leadership, humility, integrity, and perseverance, fostering a team culture where players are valued as individuals first and athletes second. By emphasizing perosonal identity rooted in faith, she helps players understand that their worth lies not in wins or stats, but in being children of God. Buckley’s coaching experience includes serving as an assistant coach for the Clovis Rockets 18u Gold team from 2021 to 2023, and at Arizona Christian University in the 2024-2025 season, where she contributed to the team’s GSAC Softball Tournament championship in 2025. Now at Nelson as Associate Head Coach, Buckley continues to mentor athletes, blending her passion for softball with a commitment to faith-driven leadership and personal growth.