Youngstown, Ohio – Erin Pond, a native of northeast Ohio and a 10-year college softball coaching veteran, has been named the 10th Head Coach of the Youngstown State University softball program, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo announced.

Pond spent the 2026 campaign as an assistant coach with the Penguins, and her presence made an immediate impact. She helped the Penguins to the 2026 Horizon League Regular-Season Championship with a 14-4 conference mark and an overall record of 31-20.

"We are excited to promote Erin Pond to be our next Head Softball Coach," said Strollo. "She made a substantial impression on our program in her first season, and she has the overwhelming support of our student athletes.

"Not only has Erin coached and played at the highest level, her experience and knowledge of the Horizon League and northeast Ohio will put our program in the position to compete for a Horizon League Championship and NCAA berth on an annual basis"

Under Pond's tutelage as the hitting coach in 2026, the Penguins set single-season school records for highest batting average (.338), most runs scored (380), most hits (472), most doubles (82), most runs batted in (344), most total bases (727), highest slugging percentage (.518), and highest on-base percentage (.418). Youngstown State set a program-record with six players on the all-league teams, including four on the first team and one on both the second team and third team.

"I want to thank YSU President Bill Johnson, Athletic Director Ron Strollo, Associate AD Matt Rollins and Deputy AD Rebecca Fink for entrusting me to be the next head coach of Youngstown State Softball," Pond said. "I am forever indebted to Coach Brian Campbell for bringing me on board last season and affording me the opportunity to be a part of the softball legacy here at YSU. 

"The vision for the softball program and the investment into that vision has been clear from the beginning. I am deeply honored to be chosen to build on the tradition of excellence here at Youngstown State with world-class people by my side. 

"We will work hard to develop young people into leaders who represent this university with class and integrity. Our program's mission will be to provide our student-athletes empowering experiences with an emphasis on earning a renowned degree and winning championships. I believe in the values of YSU Athletics and am looking forward to building lasting relationships for years to come."

Prior to joining the Penguins, 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.

While 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.

During her five seasons coaching in the Horizon League, her teams have compiled a five-year conference record of 74-41.

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 included being 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 All-Region First Team.

Pond received her first coaching opportunity at Muskingum University from 2016-18. With Pond on staff, Muskingum increased its batting average (.291 to .333), runs batted in (158 to 207), home runs (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 for 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 earned her undergraduate degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management in 2016. She 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 the 2012 Coaches Association Miss Softball.