Youngstown, Ohio – Erin Pond, a native of northeast Ohio and a nine-year college softball coaching veteran, has joined the Youngstown State softball program as an assistant coach, Head Coach Brian Campbell announced on Thursday.

"We are really excited to have Erin join our Penguins softball program," Campbell said. "She has a great knowledge base of all phases of the game from offensive and defensive strategy to player development and recruiting.

"Erin is a tireless worker and cares deeply for her players on and off the field. I am eager for her to start working with our players and staff."

Pond spent four seasons at Cleveland State (2022-25) and helped the Vikings to the 2025 Horizon League Regular-Season Championship and the 2024 Horizon League Championship, marking CSU's third NCAA Regional appearance in school history and the first since 2009.

"I am honored to be joining the softball program at Youngstown State University," Pond said. "It is incredibly exciting to have an opportunity to join Coach Campbell and the rest of the dedicated staff within the athletic department.

"It is evident YSU is a special place with deep-rooted tradition, and I cannot wait to get to work."

During her time at Cleveland State, the Vikings won 82 games and posted a four-year Horizon League record of 60-37. Pond was accountable for all offensive and defensive plans, including each player's individual offensive plan, and helped CSU to improved offensive numbers for three straight seasons.

Prior to arriving at Cleveland State, Pond spent two years as an assistant coach at Michigan State, serving under Hall of Fame head coach Jacquie Joseph. Pond's defensive responsibilities fluctuated during her time as a Spartan, as she was primarily responsible for infield play in 2021 and outfield play in 2020. Pond assisted Michigan State's offense both years while coaching first base. 

Before Michigan State, Pond was an assistant coach at Ashland University, assisting in both offense and defense. While at Ashland, Pond coached seven All-GLIAC players, in addition to Dayna Denner's selection to the NFCA All-Region First Team and D2CCA First Team All-Region.

Pond received her first coaching opportunity at Muskingum University from 2016-18. With Pond on staff, the Muskingum softball program increased their batting average (.291 to .333), runs batted in (158 to 207), homeruns (16 to 24) and overall runs scored (173-224). The Fighting Muskies also improved their overall record from 17-23 during the 2017 season to 26-12 during the 2018 campaign.

A 2016 graduate of Penn State University, Pond played the Nittany Lions from 2015-16, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. Prior to Penn State, Pond played at the University of Akron from 2013-14.

Pond also earned a master's degree in adult education from Muskingum in 2018.

Pond graduated from Keystone High School in 2012 where she was a four-time All-Conference, All-County, All-District and All-State selection. She was named Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, in addition to 2012 Coaches Association Miss Softball.

Pond will begin her duties at Youngstown State on June 16.