After wrapping up her illustrious playing career at Auburn in May, former Auburn softball ace Maddie Penta wasted no time in beginning her coaching career, as she was hired an assistant at James Madison University on Thursday.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maddie Penta as our new pitching coach,” JMU head coach Loren LaPorte stated in a release. “With her remarkable track record, Maddie provides a wealth of experience and a new viewpoint that will be invaluable in growing our pitching staff. Her passion and work ethic are completely aligned with our mission, and we are convinced that her leadership will improve our skills and success.”
Penta shattered multiple program pitching marks during her four seasons at Auburn, where she played for former JMU head coach Mickey Dean. She was selected the SEC Pitcher of the Year in 2023 and earned back-to-back all-American honors.
Penta’s final performance in an Auburn uniform was one of her greatest, as she led the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over UCF in a 12-inning thriller during the NCAA Tournament in May.
That night, Penta became the first pitcher in program history to strike out 250 or more batters in three straight seasons, as well as breaking the program record most strikeouts in a game with 19 against UCF.
Penta finished her career as the winningest pitcher in Auburn history, with 76 victories.
She will now look to coach in the bullpen at JMU.
“I am incredibly excited to join a program with such a great reputation and culture,” Penta said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of athletes and helping the program get back to the Women’s College World Series.”
Penta will have the opportunity to coach against her alma institution during the 2025 season, when Auburn and JMU meet at Huntsville’s Rocket City Showcase on February 21.
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