A Homecoming, A Perfect Fit, Call it What You Will. Haley Chandler '13 is One Happy Alumna
Haley Chandler ’13 is returning to her home turf.
Her glove may be off, but the one-time Keene State softball standout will be on the field again in full Owl mode as the program’s new head softball coach.
For an alum who wore red and white proudly and calls Keene State “The place I belonged from the beginning,” it is a full-circle moment and a perfect fit.
“I taught high school and middle school Spanish for nine years right out of college,” Haley said. “Teaching also allowed me to start coaching and it’s how I found my way back to Keene State. … I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to coach the program that helped to mold me.”
Chandler replaces Carrah Fisk Hennessey, who helmed the program for 10 years before leaving to take a director position with the City of Keene. There’s nothing better than a Keene State family member coming home to carry on a tradition.
Teaching allowed me to start coaching and it’s how I found my way back to Keene State. … I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to coach the program that helped to mold me.”
– Haley Chandler, new head softball coach
Chandler, originally from Wakefield, Massachusetts, was a secondary education and Spanish double major. Was that her plan from the start?
“Absolutely not! “I entered Keene as a film studies major but slowly fell out of love with it. As I progressed through my liberal arts requirements, I discovered my interest in foreign languages. Keene State was tight-knit; I loved that. Some of my teammates are still my best friends, and I feel like I run into classmates often.”
“I had such a positive experience at Keene State that, while teaching, I regularly and proudly recommended my students check it out as a college option.”
Her coaching style?
In short: “Firm but fair … silly but supportive.”
In detail: “I pride myself on creating a culture that expects hard work through challenging practices, while also allowing ample opportunity to learn from mistakes.”
Predictions aside, she said the program’s potential is most exciting.
As head coach at Salem High School since 2019, Chandler’s teams were state champions twice and semifinalists two other times. Thirteen of her players went on to play collegiately. Chandler was 72-18 overall in the role and was named NHIAA Division 1 coach of the year in 2021 and 2024.
“In a teaching, coaching, and mentoring environment, I meet so many different young student-athletes, and keeping an open mind has allowed me to connect with each of them.”
Her resume as an Owl player is among the best in the program, dotted with career records: hits (214), games played and started (170), at-bats (569), runs scored (165), and putouts (806). She ranks in the top 10 in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, doubles, home runs, RBI, walks, stolen bases, and defensive chances.
Keene State Athletic Director, Marty Testo, announced Chandler’s hiring.
“I had the pleasure to watch Haley play here and witness her desire to be a great player and teammate. She will be a tremendous resource for our players as a coach and mentor in life. I’m overjoyed to have her back.”
Said Chandler: “I brought commitment and a sense of competitiveness to Keene State and left a better version of myself.”
Which explains the palpable excitement – hers and others – around her return.
