Head softball coach Dustin Combs has announced the addition of former Division I standout Paige Parker to the William Jewell coaching staff, effective immediately. 

"Paige's college playing career is obviously very impressive and one of the most successful in NCAA history," said Combs. "She's a fierce competitor, has won in the biggest stage and knows the importance of a program's culture. However, I am most impressed with her passion and knowledge of the game and her ability to connect and communicate with pitchers and catchers. The addition to Paige to our staff will make an immediate impact in all areas of our program."

A two-time national champion at the University of Oklahoma, Parker earned numerous of honors during her illustrious career for the Sooners, including four All-Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and first team All-Big 12 selections. Within conference play she was also a two-time All-Tournament selection, earning MVP honors in 2017, was the 2015 Freshman of the Year and 2016 Female Athlete of the Year, and three-time first team All-Academic. As a senior, she was named the Big 12 Female Sportswoman of the Year and a Conference Medal Award Winner. In total, she earned 19 Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors over her four-year career. 

Nationally, Parker was a four-time first team NFCA All-Region selection and earned first team All-America honors in her final two seasons after picking second team nods during the first two. In addition, she was the 2015 National Freshman of the Year and went on to become a top-four finalist for USA Softball Player of the Year as a junior, and top 25 finalist as a senior. Parker led the Sooners to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series, earning All-Tournament team selections in each, and winning back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. In addition, she was named the Women's College World Series Most Valuable Players as a sophomore. 

Following her collegiate career, Parker was drafted and signed a contract for the USSSA Pride of the National Pro Fastpitch league where she was a member of the 2018 Cowles Cup Championship team. 

A native of nearby Independence, Missouri, Parker earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma in Arts and Sciences with Distinction with an emphasis in Coaching and Leadership in May 2018.