Briar Cliff University

Karis Gifford begins her first season as a member of the Cliff softball coaching staff for the 2024-25 season. Before transitioning to coaching, Gifford enjoyed a successful collegiate softball career at both Iowa Western Community College and Briar Cliff University. During her time at Iowa Western, she earned Region XI First Team All-Region and First Team-All-Conference honors as an outfielder in 2021-22. Following her time at IWCC, Gifford continued her playing career at the Cliff in 2022-2024 where she earned All-GPAC honors twice. As a key player for the Chargers, she led the team in hits, at-bats, batting average, on-base percentage, and helped the team break the all time wins record in the 2022-23 season. 

In addition to her coaching role, Gifford is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree from Briar Cliff University, alongside an Associate of Science in Radiology from St. Luke’s College in Sioux City. Gifford is the daughter of Tanya and Tom Gifford.