Echols, who played for the Gators from 2020-23, earned NFCA first-team All-America honors at third base in 2021.
Echols Thompson Named Director of Player Development
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Head Coach Tim Walton announced Thursday afternoon that Charla Echols Thompson has been named the program's Director of Player Development.
Echols, who played for the Gators from 2020-23, earned NFCA first-team All-America honors at third base in 2021. She ranks among the top 10 in program history in career batting average, on-base percentage, home runs, RBIs and sacrifice flies.
"Charla had a significant impact on our program as a player and a student coach, and we are confident she will bring the same level of impact as part of our staff," Walton said.
"She brings extensive knowledge of the game, playing experience and skills from her days as a Gator and her professional career. We're thrilled that Charla is back in Orange & Blue."
Echols served as a student coach at Florida during the 2023-24 season and played professionally for the Atlanta Smoke of Women's Professional Fastpitch.
In her new role, Echols will assist Assistant Coach Aric Thomas in developing the Gators' offense and helping with infield defense.
"Florida is home for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that has given me so much," Echols said.
"I'm excited to be back with the Gators and look forward to contributing to the Gator Standard in any way I can."
FOLLOW THE GATORS
FloridaGators.com
Florida Softball on Twitter
Head Coach Tim Walton on Twitter
Florida Softball on Facebook
Echols, who played for the Gators from 2020-23, earned NFCA first-team All-America honors at third base in 2021. She ranks among the top 10 in program history in career batting average, on-base percentage, home runs, RBIs and sacrifice flies.
"Charla had a significant impact on our program as a player and a student coach, and we are confident she will bring the same level of impact as part of our staff," Walton said.
"She brings extensive knowledge of the game, playing experience and skills from her days as a Gator and her professional career. We're thrilled that Charla is back in Orange & Blue."
Echols served as a student coach at Florida during the 2023-24 season and played professionally for the Atlanta Smoke of Women's Professional Fastpitch.
In her new role, Echols will assist Assistant Coach Aric Thomas in developing the Gators' offense and helping with infield defense.
"Florida is home for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that has given me so much," Echols said.
"I'm excited to be back with the Gators and look forward to contributing to the Gator Standard in any way I can."
FOLLOW THE GATORS
FloridaGators.com
Florida Softball on Twitter
Head Coach Tim Walton on Twitter
Florida Softball on Facebook
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