UCF Softball Coach Cindy Ball-Malone Departs for Pro Ranks

Knights' longtime leader takes head coaching job with Utah Talons

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a softball game, with sharp planes of navy, orange, and white intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract composition.Cindy Ball-Malone's move from college to the pro ranks represents a new chapter in her storied coaching career.Today in Orlando

Cindy Ball-Malone, the highly successful head coach of the University of Central Florida softball team, has accepted a new position as the head coach of the Utah Talons professional softball team. Ball-Malone had led the UCF Knights program for over a decade, guiding them to multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.

Why it matters

Ball-Malone's departure is a significant loss for the UCF softball program, as she had built the Knights into a consistent contender at the national level. However, her move to the professional ranks represents a major career advancement and an opportunity to showcase her coaching abilities on an even bigger stage.

The details

After 12 seasons as the head coach of the UCF softball team, Cindy Ball-Malone has accepted the head coaching position with the Utah Talons of the newly formed National Pro Fastpitch league. During her tenure with the Knights, Ball-Malone compiled a record of 421-209 and led the team to five conference tournament championships and seven NCAA tournament appearances.

  • Cindy Ball-Malone was named the head coach of the Utah Talons on March 28, 2026.
  • Ball-Malone had been the head coach of the UCF softball team since 2014.

The players

Cindy Ball-Malone

The former head coach of the University of Central Florida softball team, who has now accepted a head coaching position with the Utah Talons professional softball team.

University of Central Florida

The college where Cindy Ball-Malone served as the head softball coach for 12 seasons before departing for the professional ranks.

Utah Talons

The professional softball team that has hired Cindy Ball-Malone as their new head coach.

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What’s next

UCF will now begin a search for a new head softball coach to replace the departed Cindy Ball-Malone.

The takeaway

Cindy Ball-Malone's departure from UCF represents a significant loss for the Knights' softball program, but it also showcases her reputation as one of the top coaches in the sport and her ability to advance her career to the professional level.