Troy varsity softball head coach Keith Haggerty’s dedication to his family, work and the Lady Trojans softball team is generating a lot of well-deserved attention.

Haggerty will be coaching softball in August after he was selected to coach a team in the Veterans Memorial Softball Classic.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12112 in Belgrade began hosting the Classic in 2014. 

The Lady Trojans mentor received his invitation letter recently for the 13th annual event, held Aug. 7-8, from tournament director and founder, James D. Matter Jr.

“It’s quite an honor and I’m very appreciative of it,” Haggerty said. “It’s been very enjoyable to be part of the softball program and getting to see the progress of our program.”

Haggerty will be joined by two assistant coaches, his assistant at Troy, Brad Hanson, and Thompson Falls head coach Jared Koskela.

The exciting news was shared April 30 on the Troy School District Facebook page. Dozens of commenters congratulated Haggerty.

“Congratulations, Keith. Your dedication to our girls is unlike any I have ever seen,” wrote Josie Hermes. “Thank you for all you do and the endless amount of time you give to our softball program. It shows, and you deserve this 100%.”

He has been the director of Maintenance and Transportation for Troy School District since 2013. Haggerty is the son of Charles and Eileen Haggerty and has been married to his wife, Suzanne, for more than 30 years. They have three children together, Andrew, Luke and Ben.

Haggerty has been active in coaching baseball and softball for more than 25 years. He coached his sons in youth baseball before taking over the Lady Trojans program 11 years ago.

Andrew and Luke played American Legion baseball for the Libby Loggers while Ben played football and tennis for the Trojans.

Keith was honored in 2025 as the Montana Class B/C Coach of the Year after a 19-9 season, which included a 1-2 finish at the state tournament. The Lady Trojans are 11-5 and seeking another berth in the state tournament.

Haggerty was also nominated in 2020 for the U.S. Department of Education’s Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award by former Gov. Steve Bullock. The national award honors paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians and other classified school employees.

Former Troy Superintendent of Schools Jacob Francom nominated Haggerty for the LifeChanger of the Year honor, awarded by the National Life Group in 2018-19. He was one of four from Montana to be recognized for their work at their respective schools.

In Francom’s nomination, he wrote, “Mr. Haggerty's leadership is contagious and his influence is felt with students and staff members alike. He is an extremely hard worker—the first at the school district each day and the last to leave. He is positive, encouraging, and an overall team player—always willing to do what needs to be done for the benefit of learning. Mr. Haggerty will make time to ensure things are working appropriately for any class or activity and also to speak to any struggling student to help them.”

    Troy softball head coach Keith Haggerty was chosen to coach in the Veterans Memorial Softball Classic in Belgrade. (Courtesy photo)