.jpeg "Keller head coach Chad Cribbs talks to catcher Kaiya Fabela (14) before her at-bat during the Conference 6A Region 1 Regional Finals at Coppell Softball Field in Coppell, Texas, Saturday May 25, 2024.")
Keller head coach Chad Cribbs talks to catcher Kaiya Fabela (14) before her at-bat during the Conference 6A Region 1 Regional Finals at Coppell Softball Field in Coppell, Texas, Saturday May 25, 2024.
Bob Booth
Special to the Star-Telegram
Keller High School head softball coach Chad Cribbs has taken a position with Delta State University, Keller ISD Athletics told the Star-Telegram Monday.
In his three-year tenure, Cribbs continued Keller’s longtime softball success, leading the Indians during a 37-7 district record. Cribbs’ 2024 squad won the District 4-6A title with an undefeated run en route to a regional final appearance. He was named the 2024 Star-Telegram Softball Coach of the Year.
Cribbs said being involved in Keller softball and the Keller High School community has meant a lot.
“A lot of the girls that have gone through [the program], you still end up in contact with,” Cribbs said. “ … [The relationships built] become more than just softball. I think about the successes they have on the field and then now you start seeing the successes they have in life.
“That’s what is just real great and unique and real great to see [with coaching] — you get to watch people grow. … It’s been a real great experience.”
Keller head coach Chad Cribbs talks to the team as they came off the field in the sixth during the Conference 6A Region 1 Regional Finals at Coppell Softball Field in Coppell, Texas, Saturday May 25, 2024. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Keller softball has won four UIL state championships in its history with the most recent coming in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. No Tarrant County teams have won a state title since Keller’s last win.
Bryan Poehler was Keller’s coach during the back-to-back reign, and Christina Gwyn-Barton, a former Keller player, coached from 2018 to 2023 before Cribbs took over.
“My main goal was to make [Gwyn-Barton] proud,” Cribbs said. “She is one of the best coaches I know. She really gave me my shot and opportunity to be part of the program. … She created a big standard.”
In 2026, Keller 26-12-1 overall and 11-5 District 4-6A record. The Indians made a regional semifinal appearance, competing well with Denton Guyer, an eventual state semifinalist.
This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 12:10 PM.
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.