Kat Rodriguez begins her first season as an assistant coach in 2025-26.
Rodriguez comes to Smithfield after a standout collegiate career that ended in First Team All-America honors last spring as a graduate student at North Carolina.Â
"This is such a full-circle moment for me. I had the chance to coach Kat as a player, and now I get to coach alongside her", said coach Bell. "She's sharp, eager to learn, and passionate about the game, and I know she's going to help elevate this program in every way. Kat gets what Bryant Softball is about and will be key in upholding the standards of our culture and program. Couldn't be more excited to have her on board, Go Bulldogs"!
Rodriguez began her career at Quinnipiac in 2020 before spending three seasons (2021-24) at Pittsburgh, crossing paths with Bell during her time with the Panthers. She played her final season at UNC in the spring of 2025 and hit .435 with 83 RBI on her way to Softball America First Team All-America honors. Rodriguez was the Tar Heels everyday second baseman and her 83 RBI were a single-season program record, while her 57 runs scored were the second-most. Rodriguez was also named DI Softball First Team All-America, NFCA Third Team All-America, First Team All-East Region and First Team All-ACC.
"I'm super excited to join the Bryant family! Getting the chance to work alongside my former coach and All-AmericanÂ
Bianka Bell is such a full-circle moment", said coach Rodriguez. "I also can't wait to hit the field with this amazing group of girls. I'm so eager to get to work, Go Bulldogs"!
In addition to her collegiate playing career, Rodriguez has played for Team Colombia since the age of 15, competing in the Bolivarian Games in Valledupar, Colombia, in June of 2022 and earned a silver medal to help Team Colombia qualify for the Pan American Games in October of 2023.
