Head of School Dr. Eric Schexnaildre and Athletics Director Brian Gill are pleased to announce that Riley Nayadley has been named the Head Coach of the Notre Dame High School Girls’ Softball team. Nayadley comes to Notre Dame after playing college softball at East Tennessee State University. While at ETSU as a 4-year starter, she was named ALL SoCon in 2023, batted .300, and was all SoCon academic team selection.
Riley attended Ringgold High School. During her career at Ringgold, Riley was a three-time All-State softball player and the 3A GHSA player of the year in 2019 and 2020. Riley also led Ringgold to back-to-back state championships. Riley will be teaching in the physical education department beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Riley Nayadley to the Notre Dame family,” said Head of School Dr. Eric Schexnaildre. "In stepping into this role last summer, it was apparent that our softball program was one of the first priorities to address and set a new standard of expectations. It all starts with people and Riley is a great fit. She possesses the qualities and skills needed to develop our players on the field and to be the strong female leader that our young ladies need and to enhance their growth at Notre Dame High School."
"Riley is a winner and has played the game at an elite level in both high school and college. Her resume is impressive and her former coaches and others I reached out to all spoke very highly of her character and work ethic. We needed a coach to lead our program back to prominence in a very competitive region and I believe that Riley is the perfect leader. Our softball program will be greatly supported by our administration and alumni, and our program, led by Coach Nayadley, will attract talented, motivated softball players who aspire to play college softball. We are excited about the future of NDHS softball."
In addition to Nayadley, Sara Muir will join the staff as an assistant coach. Muir was a 4-year softball starter, both as a pitcher and catcher at ETSU. She was a three-time All-SoCon second team player and a two-time SoCon player of the week. During her softball career at Marion County High School, Sara was a three-time All-district player, the district player of the year, and named to the TSSAA All-state team twice.
“The addition of Sara to our coaching staff is another integral part of our softball future. Her experience behind the plate and in the circle gives her a deep understanding of the game, and her passion for teaching and motivating athletes is immediately evident. The addition of Sara marks the continued commitment by NDHS to build a championship-caliber program with a focus on player development, mentorship, and teamwork.”