Parker Staggs has been named assistant coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks women’s softball team, head coach Courtney Deifel announced Friday. Staggs will focus on working with the team’s pitchers.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Parker Staggs back to our Razorback softball family,” Deifel said. “Parker’s work ethic, personality, and knowledge of the game make him an incredible asset to our program. He has a true passion for Razorback softball and a deep understanding of the program’s culture. We know he will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the field, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back in Fayetteville.”
Staggs, originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, recently completed the 2025 season as an assistant coach at Duke University. There, he worked with the Blue Devils’ pitching staff. Under his guidance in 2025, Duke finished 20th nationally with 14 shutouts and ranked 25th in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 2.53. Pitcher Dani Drogemuller earned Second-Team All-ACC honors after posting a team-best 3.13 ERA and an 18-9 record over 174.1 innings.
Prior to his time at Duke, Staggs was involved with Arkansas’ softball program as a team manager from 2019 to 2022 and as a graduate student manager during the 2023-24 seasons. His responsibilities included assisting with bullpen sessions, throwing live batting practice and scrimmages, and operating analytic software during games.
During his tenure as a student and graduate student manager at Arkansas, the Razorbacks compiled a record of 225-85, won two SEC Regular Season Championships and one SEC Tournament Championship, made five NCAA Tournaments appearances, and reached two Super Regionals. The program also saw individual success with two SEC Pitchers of the Year—Mary Haff (2021) and Chenise Delce (2022)—and five NFCA All-America selections among pitchers.
“It’s an incredible honor to return to the University of Arkansas — a place that shaped me both as a coach and person,” Staggs said. “Arkansas is my home, and I have immense pride for all that the university has to offer. I’m excited to work with some of the best people, coaches and athletes in the game. I look forward to my return to Bogle Park, with the best fans in the country. Wooo Pig!”
In addition to his college experience, Staggs coached local teams in Jefferson City such as the Gators and contributed to coaching for Kansas City Aces Fastpitch Club. He also played men’s fastpitch tournaments and attended USA Junior Men’s National Team selection trials.
Staggs graduated from Arkansas in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management before earning his master’s degree in physical education in 2024.
He replaces Danielle Gibson Whorton, who left for another assistant coaching role elsewhere.
The Razorbacks ended their most recent season with a record of 44-14 under head coach Courtney Deifel’s leadership—their eighth straight NCAA Tournament appearance and fourth NCAA Super Regional showing.
For further updates on schedules or news about Arkansas softball visit https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/ or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
