WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – On July 25, 2024, the USA South Conference office made the announcement that Brianne Coleman was named as the Social Media/Operations Intern.
It was another step in the professional career of the Salem alumnae, who had served the last two years as the Assistant to the Deputy Director of Athletics at Methodist University. During her time with the Monarchs, she provided direct operations and informational support to athletics and academic staff.
Coleman, who graduated from Salem with a bachelor's of science in exercise science in 2022, has made the same impact off-the-field as she did on it as a four-year standout for the Spirits' softball program. She left Salem with a career batting average of .434, delivering 109 hits, 91 RBI and scored 70 runs along the way. Coleman started in all 90 games over the course of her career and tallied 25 doubles and 20 home runs in the process. She was responsible for a .797 slugging percentage along with a .539 on-base percentage during her four-year career at Salem.
When the curtain closed on Coleman's career at Salem, she ranked in the Top-15 of 17 major statistical categories, including batting average (.434-1st), slugging percentage (.797-1st), on-base percentage (.539-1st), home runs (20-2nd), walks (56-2nd), RBI (91-4th), sacrifice flies (5-t-4th), chances (299-5th), triples (3-t-5th), total bases (200-6th), assists (186-6th), doubles (25-t-7th), runs (70-10th), double plays (5-10th), hits (109-12th), at bats (251-13th), stolen bases (8-t-13th), stolen bases attempted (9-t-14th)
"During my time working at Methodist University, and now starting a new role with the USA South Athletic Conference as the Social Media and Operations Intern, I have learned a lot of valuable information and hope to continue learning so many new things," said Coleman. "Some of the things I've learned range from game day management, social media management and marketing, keeping statistics for athletic events to hospitality for visiting teams and officials. Using all of the knowledge that I have gained, ultimately, I would love to start a career in upper level athletics doing something along the lines of Game Day Operations, as well as Communications and Marketing."
The Creedmoor, N.C., native had a decorated four-year career at Salem which began when she was named USA South Rookie of the Year in 2019, the only Spirit to earn that distinction. Coleman would earn First Team All-Conference accolades in 2019 and 2022.
"My time as a student-athlete at Salem is something that I cherish greatly," continued Coleman. "I learned the importance of being a team player and a leader on-and-off the field, asking questions and being patient and open to learning new things. This is just a few of the things that Salem has taught me and the reality is that this list can go on for miles. But one of the most important things that I feel has been the most beneficial for me during my professional career is that you are never alone. There is always someone willing to help you in any way they can and it is okay to not always have all the answers."
Coleman's respect at Salem extended beyond the field as she received the 2021-22 Salem Nan Tilley Athletics Department Service Award as well as the 2018-2019 Salem Athlete of the Year Award.
"Salem is so valuable to me," Coleman exclaimed. "I met so many amazing people during my time at the institution. Chelsey Stewart, former Assistant Director of Athletics, and J.J. Antoine, former Director of Athletics, both played a huge role in jump-starting my professional career. I completed one of my internships with their guidance in the Athletics Department and during this internship is where I realized how much I enjoyed the administration and kind of 'behind the scenes' work of an athletics department.
"Kierston Garner, my softball coach, also played a huge role in my time at Salem," continued Coleman. "She taught me so many things, on-and-off the field, as well as just helped me overall become a better version of myself and grow as not only a student-athlete, but a person. I am very grateful for each and every person that I crossed paths with at Salem and I would not be the person I am today without them."
