DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central is pleased to announce the hiring of Ricky Holden as its head softball coach on Wednesday, July 15.

A rising star in the coaching profession, Holden led Claflin to the CIAA championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament in 2026. Claflin finished 30-13 overall which is the program's fourth-best winning percentage since 2009.

Holden guided Claflin to the conference finals in each of his three seasons. During that stretch, Claflin won the CIAA title, finished runner-up twice and claimed a division crown. Under his leadership, multiple players gained all-conference honors and received academic recognition.

Holden will look to elevate an Eagles' program that finished 8-40 in 2026.

"Coach Holden has demonstrated the leadership and vision to build our softball program," NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Louis "Skip" Perkins said. "His previous success and passion for coaching and mentoring student-athletes make him the right fit."

Holden succeeded at Claflin after one year as an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T. He assisted with recruiting, player development and program operations during his stint with the Aggies. His coaching career dates back to 2016 on the high school and AAU travel ball levels, where he coached 16-under and 18-under squads.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Holden served as Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Connecting Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on youth mentorship and community engagement.

A Henderson, N.C., native, Holden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Westwood and a master's degree from North Carolina Central.