Julie Boland was announced as the new head coach for Jax State softball in August of 2024, propelling the long-time assistant to the lead role after the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Jana McGinnis.

The veteran coach had no trouble taking the reins of the program in her first season in 2025, by leading the Gamecocks to a 37-21 record along with an appearance in the Conference USA Championship game as well. The Gamecocks had five different players earn All-Conference honors in Boland's first year, in addition to an NFCA All-South Region selection as well.

Following her opening campaign, Boland took the program to another level in 2026, finishing the season with a 45-16 record that included a Conference USA Regular Season Championship, a CUSA Tournament Championship and an NCAA Tournament Regional Appearance. Boland's squad was the first team in program history since 2017 to surpass the 40-win mark and put together the second-most wins in a single season in team history. For her efforts, Boland was named Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2026. In addition, the Gamecocks were responsible for three NFCA All-South Region selections and six All-Conference selections under Boland's leadership, along with three superlative awards including CUSA Player of the Year, CUSA Pitcher of the Year and CUSA Freshman of the Year.

Boland embodies the standard and family culture that is Gamecock softball. As a former player and then 23-year assistant, Boland was at McGinnis’ side in some capacity for 28 of her 31 seasons and saw nearly 1,000 wins.

“We are excited that Julie Boland will lead our softball team and continue to build upon the rich history and tradition of our program,” said Director of Athletics, Greg Seitz. “Julie has been a loyal assistant coach for more than 20 years and is a former player who embodies and understands the commitment and expectations of Gamecock softball."

In her two prior decades on the bench for Jax State, Boland helped guide the Gamecocks to 15 conference championships and eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

Boland’s commitment to Jax State dates back to her playing days when the Lewisville, Texas, native, became a four-time all-conference selection at shortstop in the TAAC/Atlantic Sun from 1997-2000. The Gamecock slugger who finished her career with the program’s second-most hits at 198, has since mentored eight Gamecocks who went on to eclipse her mark since 2005. Boland’s collegiate marks still rank 20th in program history with 100 RBI, 14th with 26 stolen bases and eighth in runs scored at 142.

“My heart swells with gratitude and pride to take this position and continue the legacy that coach McGinnis has built,” said Boland. “I want to thank Coach McGinnis for believing in me as a player, and her continued belief and mentorship as a coach and friend. I would also like to thank President Killingsworth and Greg Seitz for their support and vision for our future in Conference USA. We will continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field.”

During her time on staff, Boland ran team operations, recruiting and led hitters and middle infielders at various times. She becomes only the third head coach to lead Gamecock softball behind McGinnis (1994-2024) and Amy Hardeman (1988-1993).

Boland graduated in 2002 with an Education Degree. She has since received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from JSU.

**Jacksonville State (2025-Present)**
School	Year	W	L	Pct.	Postseason
Jacksonville State	2025	37	21	.638
Jacksonville State	2026	45	16	.738	CUSA Championship
Total		82	37	.689

Name	Title	Email Address	Phone
Julie Boland	Head Coach	jboland@jsu.edu	256-782-5524
Hayley Sims	Associate Head Coach	hasims@jsu.edu	256-782-8215
Holly Stewart	Assistant Coach	hstewart3@jsu.edu
Olivia Grey	Pitching Coach	ogrey@jsu.edu
Jenna Lord	Softball Graduate Assistant

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Missouri State on Mar 12, 2027 at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Missouri State on Mar 13, 2027 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Missouri State on Mar 14, 2027 at 11 a.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball at Delaware on Mar 19, 2027 at 5 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball at Delaware on Mar 20, 2027 at 2 p.m.

Results

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 3 Florida State on May 16, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 11 , 5 inn.

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 6 UCF on May 15, 2026 , Loss , 1, to, 2 , 8 inn.

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 3 Liberty on May 9, 2026 , Win , 7, to, 4

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 2 WKU on May 8, 2026 , Win , 5, to, 2

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 3 Liberty on May 8, 2026 , Loss , 2, to, 7

2027 Softball Coaching Staff

Coaching Staff

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