Carly Wynn's College Coaching Journey Leads Her To Minnesota

A lot can change in 10 years, and for Carly Wynn, that has certainly been the case.

Back in 2010, Wynn was unsure about her future and what she wanted to do in her life and career following her illustrious playing days at Florida State. Fast forward 10 years, and Wynn is now preparing for her first season as the associate head coach at Minnesota under newly-appointed head coach Piper Ritter.

For Wynn, her journey in college coaching began back in 2010 at her alma mater. After graduating from Florida State with her bachelor's degree, Wynn had the chance to work as a graduate assistant under her former head coach Lonni Alameda beginning in the fall of 2010.

"Coach (Alameda) treated me like a coach," Wynn, who is in the record books for several categories at Florida State, told Softball America. "She taught me and made me feel like I mattered."

During that pivotal time, the three-time All-ACC selection learned lessons from Alameda that she still carries with her in her coaching career today.

"You’re not going to remember much of what people say, but you will remember how they make you feel," said Wynn, who played one season as a professional softball player in the NPF after college. "I try and be purposeful with how I make people feel. I want to make connections and challenge my players to be better."

After graduating from Florida State with her master's degree in 2012, Wynn became an assistant coach at Fresno State, where she coached until 2016 and helped the team to back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships. She then accepted an assistant coaching position at Arizona State, where she remained until this past May when she accepted the position at Minnesota.

At Arizona State, Wynn helped the Sun Devils advance to the 2018 Women College World Series, which is a feat she would like to accomplish again at Minnesota. The Gophers appeared in the program's first WCWS back in 2019.

"Now they've tasted it, and I'm excited for the opportunity to work to get back there and see what they'll do with that opportunity," said Wynn. "I want to push a high-level team to be even better. I am a nerd for the game, and I'm excited to take what I've learned and challenge myself to be a better coach and person for my players."

Outside of winning on the field, which the Gophers have a history of doing, Wynn is also focused on developing Minnesota's program off the field. Her short-term goals include continuing to build the alumnae relations within the program and working to challenge each player on an individual basis.

"Fostering an environment of personal growth within a team environment is what it means to be a great coach,” Wynn added.

Ultimately, Wynn wants to help her players develop strength for big moments that will propel them to successes both in softball and in their lives after it.

"At Florida State, Coach (Alameda) taught me to be in the moment and embrace the nerves," Wynn said. "I want to teach my girls that the heart racing experiences are exciting and should be embraced."

For Minnesota's Natalie DenHartog, Fifth Year Was No-Brainer

Minnesota slugger Natalie DenHartog will wrap up a storied career with the Gophers this spring.