SMC Athletics Hires Kimberly Braxton to Lead Softball Program

Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Methodist College athletic director Megan Aiello announced today that the program has hired Kimberly Braxton as the new softball coach.

"We are excited that Kimberly will be joining the athletic staff here at SMC. Kimberly's passion for coaching and her professionalism were evident throughout the interview process," Aiello said. "Kimberly understands what it takes to compete at the four-year level, both as a player and as a coach, and her commitment to excellence will help lead this program to the next level."

Braxton is no stranger to Spartanburg Methodist College. As a former player, Braxton helped lead the Pioneers to the 2009 Region 10 Championship and a bid to the NJCAA National Tournament. Braxton owns and operates Powerhouse Athletics, a softball and baseball training facility, in Columbia, S.C. Prior to starting her business, Braxton was the head softball coach at Woodland High School from 2018-2020 and the assistant softball coach at Belmont Abbey from 2014-2018.

"SMC is a very special place where someone must understand both the tradition and commitment it takes to represent the history of the athletics programs well. As an Alum, and the Head Coach, my goal is to give the student-athletes an experience they will always remember in a positive way," Braxton said. "I want our community to have pride in the success we have on and off the field and the manner in which we do it. I want to sincerely give thanks to our Athletic Director, Megan Aiello for trusting me to create a culture built on a standard of excellence."

Braxton earned her Associate in Arts from Spartanburg Methodist College and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Carolina.