Get to Know Carly Wynn

Carly Wynn was named associate head coach of Gopher softball just a little over two months ago. Wynn played for Florida State where she was a three-time All-ACC honoree, earned All-America honors and went on to play in the National Professional Fastpitch League with the Tennessee Diamonds. She started her coaching career as a volunteer and grad assistant at her alma mater. She then was an assistant coach at Fresno State from 2012-16. Most recently, Wynn was an assistant coach at Arizona State prior to her Minnesota tenure. Get to know coach Wynn and what her first two months has been with the Gophers.

What drew you to Minnesota and the University?
"The opportunity to take an associate head coach role at such a well established softball program was an incredible opportunity I knew I could not pass up. The University of Minnesota is a special place that has established an incredible winning culture and the emphasis that they put on winning the right way is something I knew I would be very proud to be a part of. I have also gotten to know Coach Ritter throughout the coaching world the last few years and knowing that I would be able to work alongside her (and now Coach Richardson who I knew from my time at ASU) truly made this a one of a kind opportunity."

You were named associate head coach two months ago. How has this short journey been for you so far?
"It's been a whirlwind, but a fun one. Anytime you pack up and move, it is very bittersweet. I loved my time with Coach Ford and the athletes along the way at both Fresno State and ASU, but it's time to move on and have a new experience. My husband, my dog and I have all officially made it to Minnesota and are just currently on the hunt for a permanent place to live. We are taking our time getting to know different areas before getting officially settled. I have gotten to get together several times with Coach Ritter and Coach Richardson whether that be over zoom or in person with masks and it has been such a wonderful dynamic. Coach Richardson and I know each other from our time together at ASU and her and Coach Ritter know each other, of course, from their time together at Minnesota. So aside from getting to know the ins and outs of each other's personalities/how we operate it's been a very easy and somewhat seamless transition."

Have you been able to connect with some of the Minnesota student-athletes during this time and how have you been able to during COVID?
"We have been connecting with the student athletes about once a week over zoom. We had each of the student athletes fill out a scouting report on themselves and present it to me so I could get to know them as athletes, but having them present it to me also gave me a little insight into their personalities, as well. We've done small group dinners/breakfasts via zoom to have some "non-softball" time to get to know one another, guest speakers come and talk to the team, etc. They are certainly a very fun group that has welcomed me with open arms, and it only makes me more excited to be able to work with them."

What will you be primarily focusing on as a part of the coaching staff?
"We truly haven't figured out all of the details yet. I do know that I will be working with outfielders, Coach Rich working with infielders, and Coach Ritter continuing to develop All-American pitchers. Coach Rich and I have been talking hitting constantly and developing a great plan for continuing to build up our offensive production. Aside from that, we are a very collaborative staff that have great knowledge in different areas both on and off the field so we still have to finalize quite a bit of details!"

What are you most looking forward to as you continue your coaching career here?
"I'm excited to take what I have learned and bring continual growth to the Gopher softball program. To be able to step into such a successful program and work to continue to push the program forward is going to be a very fun experience. We have a group that combines young talent with championship experience and you can't ask for a better situation when you come to a new team. We are very excited for the future of Minnesota softball, and I am very happy to be a part of it."

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