Photo: USA Softball

Heather Tarr Stepping Away as USA Softball Head Coach

Heather Tarr is stepping away from her role as head coach of the US National Team.

Tarr was named USA Softball’s head coach in October 2021 and spent three years in the role. She held the position while simultaneously serving as head coach at Washington, a role she continues to hold.

During her USA Softball head coaching stint, she led Team USA to a gold medal in the 2023 Pan Am Games, a gold medal in the 2022 World Games, and a silver medal in the 2024 WBSC World Cup.

It’s been my greatest honor to serve USA Softball and our country over the past seven years,” Tarr said in a statement. “There have been many incredible moments. For now, I am stepping away as head coach of USA Softball. I want to completely focus on Husky softball and keep my focus on what I have going on here at home. I have been so fortunate to develop relationships with athletes and support staff at the highest level of softball, including at the international level. I am excited to continue to develop the women here at the University of  Washington and continue striving for greatness in sport, and in life.”

USA Softball also released a statement following Tarr’s announcement: “USA Softball would like to express its sincere gratitude to Coach Tarr for her dedication and commitment to the USA Softball Women’s National Team program over the past seven years. Her contributions have significantly impacted both the program and the wider softball community during her tenure with USA Softball.”

Prior to being named Team USA’s head coach, Tarr was the head coach of the U-19 national team and served as an assistant coach in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Tarr’s departure from the red, white, and blue comes as she enters her 21st season as head coach at Washington in 2025. She is the winningest coach in Washington athletics history and most recently led the Huskies to a Women’s College World Series appearance in 2023 and an NCAA tournament berth in 2024.