Kayla Neff joined Head Coach Kristin Halte’s staff during the 2021–22 season, returning to Biola after a decorated collegiate career.
A Biola alumna, Neff graduated with her bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 2020 and later earned a graduate certificate in special education in 2021. She also completed an American Sign Language certification at Golden West College in 2022.
During her playing career (2016–2021), Neff was named PacWest Conference Player of the Year (2019), NCAA Division II All-West Region and NCCAA All-American. She was a three-time All-PacWest selection, named twice to the PacWest's First Team. She also garnered NFCA/D2CCA All-Region honors, was named to the NCAA Division II All-Tournament Team at the National Championships, and was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. Neff also helped lead the Eagles to an NCAA Division II West Region Championship and a National Runner-Up finish in 2021.
Before Biola, Neff played at Edison High School where she was named to the Sunset League First Team and was selected to play in the senior all-star game in 2016. She posted a .457 batting average in 2015 and earned Offensive MVP honors.
Over the past five seasons as a coach, Neff has helped guide the Biola Softball team to two West Regional appearances, two PacWest Conference Championships and coached the 2025 PacWest Conference Regular Season Championship team. Her coaching responsibilities include catching, hitting, recruiting, and leading clinics.
Originally from Huntington Beach, California, and now residing in Buena Park, Neff is interested in American Sign Language, long walks with friends, and playing pickleball. Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9. When asked why she chose to coach at Biola, Neff shared, “Biola is a special place. I chose to come back to coach at Biola because I really wanted to give back to the program I played at. I have been coached by some amazing coaches at Biola that I will always be grateful for, and my hope is to grow every year in my coaching abilities at the place that is so special to me.”
