When you think of someone who truly goes above and beyond, Troy varsity softball head coach Keith Haggerty comes to mind. His unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and the Lady Trojans softball program is earning him some well-deserved recognition—and now, a spot on the coaching roster for the prestigious Veterans Memorial Softball Classic.
Haggerty has been selected to coach a team in the 13th annual event, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12112 in Belgrade. The Classic, which began in 2014, will take place August 7-8 this year. Tournament director and founder James D. Matter Jr. recently sent Haggerty his official invitation.
"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."
He won't be going alone. Joining him on the coaching staff will be his assistant at Troy, Brad Hanson, and Thompson Falls head coach Jared Koskela. The exciting news was shared on the Troy School District Facebook page on April 30, where dozens of commenters flooded the post with congratulations.
"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%."
Haggerty's journey in coaching spans more than 25 years, starting with youth baseball for his sons before taking the helm of the Lady Trojans program 11 years ago. His commitment hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was named Montana Class B/C Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 19-9 season and a 1-2 finish at the state tournament. This year, the Lady Trojans are sitting at 11-5 and pushing for another state tournament berth.
Beyond the diamond, Haggerty has been the director of Maintenance and Transportation for Troy School District since 2013. His impact off the field has been just as impressive. In 2020, he was nominated for the U.S. Department of Education's Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award by former Gov. Steve Bullock. And in 2018-19, former Superintendent Jacob Francom nominated him for the LifeChanger of the Year honor, awarded by the National Life Group. Francom wrote in his nomination, "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 and the last to leave."
At home, Haggerty has been married to his wife, Suzanne, for more than 30 years. Together, they have three children: Andrew, Luke, and Ben. Andrew and Luke played American Legion baseball for the Libby Loggers, while Ben excelled in football and tennis for the Trojans.
Whether he's on the field, in the school hallways, or preparing for the Veterans Memorial Softball Classic, Keith Haggerty embodies the kind of dedication that builds champions—on and off the diamond.