Inside The Phillies

Edwards Paves Way and Makes Philadelphia Phillies History as First Female Coach

Sarah Edwards became the first female coach in Philadelphia Phillies history as she paves the way for young women in sports.

Kade Kistner

Edwards Paves Way and Makes Philadelphia Phillies History as First Female Coach
Edwards Paves Way and Makes Philadelphia Phillies History as First Female Coach /
In this story:

Sarah Edwards is the new hitting development coach for the Philadelphia Phillies' Rookie Level squad. She is the first female coach in the history of the Phillies system and at just 26 years old is helping pave the way forward for young women in the sport. 

Edwards played softball at a high level and is now utilizing her vast knowledge and skills to now help develop young men for Philadelphia's farm. 

Paul Casella of MLB.com spoke with Edwards and her experience of becoming the first female coach in franchise history.

"Extremely prideful, of course," said Edwards. "Paving the way for younger generations of women to be able to grab some of these opportunities -- it fills my heart, honestly."

In fact, Edwards was not initially approached by the Phillies for the job, instead they asked her to be a player development associate. She told Casella that she then pushed for something more.

"Being able to watch them and watching their careers develop, it gave me the inspiration to be able to say, 'Hey, I would rather be considered as a coach instead,'" Edwards said. "I don't know if I would have had that courage to say that if I didn't see other women already in positions like that."

Edwards is not only an inspiration in her field, but she will bring her capability to teaching Philadelphia's prospects the art of hitting. 

Coach Edwards is breaking barriers!

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

  1. Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
  2. How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
  3. Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
  4. Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
  5. Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
  6. Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
  7. Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
  8. Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
  9. Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
  10. Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup

Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Substack and Twitter!

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

Home/News