University of La Verne

Tara Anaya, formerly Tara Allis, is a seasoned softball coach and dedicated alumna of the University of La Verne with a proven track record of success and a passion for the sport. She was named the Interim Head Coach in the fall of 2023 for the 2023-2024 season.

As the new Interim Head Coach for the La Verne softball program, Anaya brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to the success and development of her players. With her history as a Leopard and passion for the game, she aims to lead the team to new heights while fostering a positive and empowering environment for her athletes.

Anaya's journey in coaching began in 2015 when she joined Riverside Community College as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator. During her time there, she also taught a physical fitness course, allowing her to share her knowledge and passion with aspiring athletes.

After two years at Riverside, Tara moved to Orange Coast College, where she continued her coaching career as an assistant coach. In addition to her coaching duties, she served as the defensive coordinator, a student-athlete tutor and mentor, and a physical fitness instructor. 

Anaya's connection to the University of La Verne runs deep. As an alumna, she played for the program for all four years, honing her skills as a player and experiencing the pride and tradition of the Leopard Softball program firsthand. Her love for the university and the sport drove her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of La Verne.

Driven by her desire to further her understanding of psychology and its impact on athletes' performance, Anaya pursued a Master's of Education from the University of Missouri. Focusing on Counseling Psychology and Sport Psychology, she equipped herself with the knowledge and tools to support her players physically and mentally.

Anaya earned numerous accolades throughout her playing years, including All-SCIAC recognition for four consecutive years. She received First Team All-SCIAC honors in 2009, 2010, and 2012 and Second Team All-SCIAC distinction in 2011. Additionally, Anaya received Second Team All-West Region honors in 2011 for her exceptional performance. She also earned Scholar-Athlete recognition in 2011 and 2012.

Off the field, Anaya’s greatest source of joy and fulfillment comes from her family. She married Hector Anaya in 2019, and they have two children, Bryant and Austin.