Open To Work
Tonja Braxton
Work Preference
Summary
Results-driven Athletic Administrator and Head Coach recognized for transforming athletic programs, exemplified by expanding the team from 12 to 27 student-athletes and achieving a 3.20 GPA. Proven skills in budget oversight and compliance drive sustainable program success. Committed to cultivating both competitive excellence and academic achievement in student-athletes.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Softball Coach / Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Lead
TALLADEGA COLLEGE
Talladega, AL
08.2023 - 04.2026
- Program Growth: Spearheaded a massive program turnaround, expanding the roster from 12 to 27 active student-athletes (a 125% increase) within a single recruitment cycle.
- Academic Excellence: Instituted rigorous academic monitoring protocols, elevating the team GPA to a commendable 3.20.
- Directed softball operational budget, ensuring compliant allocation of funds for travel, equipment, and recruiting to enhance program sustainability.
- Orchestrated game-day logistics and led event administration, ensuring seamless venue operations and positive guest experiences.
Student Support Specialist / Head Softball Coach
BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL
Forestville, MD
08.2021 - 04.2023
- Academic Leadership: Monitored the academic progress of all varsity student-athletes and introduced mandatory study halls and peer tutoring, which minimized academic eligibility issues.
- Program Revitalization: Re-engineered the high school softball program structure, focusing on fundamental skill development, modern training techniques, and tactical execution.
- Community Engagement: Cultivated strong partnerships with local youth sports organizations and alumni, enhancing home-game attendance and expanding the program's local footprint.
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowie, MD
08.2017 - 09.2019
- Recruiting Operations: Supported national recruiting efforts by evaluating high school and transfer talent, contributing to a competitive NCAA Division II roster.
- Defensive & Tactical Strategy: Developed and implemented daily practice plans focused on enhancing defensive positioning and optimizing in-game tactical adjustments.
- Academic Monitoring: Acted as primary liaison to athletic department's academic advising office, promoting student-athlete retention and academic progress.
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Orangeburg, SC
08.2011 - 01.2015
- Oversaw operations for NCAA Division I softball program, ensuring compliance with NCAA, MEAC, and institutional regulations.
- Overhauled team roster by securing commitments from high school standouts and impact transfer student-athletes, enhancing team competitiveness.
- Launched donor campaigns and youth summer camps, generating supplemental revenue for upgrades to training equipment and facility amenities.
Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Advising/Head Softball Coach
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Washington, DC
08.2002 - 04.2010
- Championship Leadership: Led the program to the 2007 MEAC Championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Regional Tournament.
- Accolades & Recognition: Honored as the 2007 MEAC Coach of the Year for exceptional leadership, program turnaround, and competitive excellence.
- Oversaw all aspects of Division I program for 14 seasons, managing scheduling, travel logistics, fundraising, equipment procurement, and community service initiatives to enhance program effectiveness.
- Developed NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes and maintained consistently high team GPA, contributing to academic excellence within university's athletic department.
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowie, MD
08.1995 - 05.2002
- Recruiting Operations: Supported Head Coach in national recruiting efforts, assessing high school and transfer talent to build a competitive NCAA Division II roster.
- Defensive & Tactical Strategy: Developed and implemented tailored daily practice plans, enhancing defensive positioning and facilitating in-game tactical adjustments.
- Academic Monitoring: Acted as primary liaison to athletic department's academic advising office, promoting student-athlete retention and progress toward graduation.
Education
Master of Science - Public Administration
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD05-1993
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDSkills
- Athletic Program Administration
- Strategic planning
- Multi-sport operational oversight
- Budget management
- Regulatory Compliance
- NCAA regulations
- NAIA regulations
- High school athletic regulations
- Recruitment & Talent Pipelines
- Roster management
- Visual scouting
- Domestic pipelines
- International pipelines
- Academic Mentorship & Retention
- Tracking systems
- High team GPAs
- Graduation rates
- Stakeholder & Donor Relations
- Alumni engagement
- Fundraising initiatives
- Corporate community partnerships
- Leadership & Conflict Resolution
- Public relations
- Crisis management
- Student-athlete advocacy
Affiliations
- National Scouting Report
- Member, National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)
- Member, Black Coaches Association
- Volunteer Consultant, Major League Baseball (MLB) Revitalizing Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program
- The Academic Hustle
Timeline
Head Softball Coach / Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Lead
TALLADEGA COLLEGE
08.2023 - 04.2026
Student Support Specialist / Head Softball Coach
BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL
08.2021 - 04.2023
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
08.2017 - 09.2019
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
08.2011 - 01.2015
Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Advising/Head Softball Coach
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
08.2002 - 04.2010
Head Softball Coach/Recruitment Lead
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
08.1995 - 05.2002
Master of Science - Public Administration
Bowie State University
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Bowie State University