Auburn University’s co-head softball coach Chris Malveaux will serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Malveaux, who joined the USWNT coaching pool last year, expressed his excitement about working with elite athletes on the national stage.
“It’s such an honor,” said Malveaux. “You’re talking about pro athletes who are driven at the highest level. It’s such an honor to be around them and see them do their thing.”
Malveaux works alongside head coach Patty Gasso of Oklahoma, participating in WNT camps and international competitions. He recalled a memorable experience traveling with USA Softball college all-stars to Japan for a series that drew large crowds.
“You start soaking it in,” he said. “It was nothing to see 10,000 to 20,000 people coming to watch softball,” he said. “They’re loud, very passionate.
“The sun’s going down, you see the lights. They start calling out the lineups, you’re standing on the line. The national anthem hits a little bit different at that point. I remember standing there and saying, ‘I can’t believe we’re here.’ It’s pretty cool.”
Softball is returning to the Olympic program for Los Angeles 2028 after being left out of recent Games in 2012, 2016, and 2024. The inclusion came following advocacy by local organizers due to strong regional interest in the sport.
“There’s still work to do,” Malveaux said. “Thank goodness to have it back in the Olympics this time around. It’s very big as it’s coming back around for softball fans to continue to be engaged with USA Softball, to follow and know what’s going on as we build that back up again.”
Malveaux believes his role with USA Softball could help Auburn recruit players who aspire to compete at high levels.
“Hopefully it will help get your name in some of those living rooms when it comes to recruiting time,” he said. “There are players we’re recruiting who have those kinds of dreams. USA Softball is always looking for ways to generate more prospects, to get their eyes on the next-level kids coming up so it’s a way to help out on both ends. Hopefully it brings a little bit of attention to a recruiter.”
As Auburn prepares for its conference opener against Kentucky at Jane B. Moore Field this weekend under Chris and Kate Malveaux’s leadership, Chris also looks forward to supporting future Olympians from Auburn.
“It’s cool to see the highest level of softball and the highly driven athletes who are involved,” he said. “Just like anybody, they need the support of everyone.
“Hopefully there are still a ton of players out there who have those dreams and aspirations of playing in the Olympics and putting on that USA jersey. It’s truly an honor on my end. I don’t get to be on the field, stand out there and play, but it’s so cool to watch those athletes get out there and represent.”
