Having just finished up her legendary playing career at Auburn in May, former Auburn softball ace Maddie Penta wasted no time in getting her coaching career underway as she was named 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 said in a release. “With her impressive track record, Maddie brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective that will be instrumental in developing our pitching staff. Her passion and work ethic aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are confident that her leadership will enhance our capabilities and success.”

In her four seasons at Auburn, where she played under former JMU head coach Mickey Dean, Penta broke several program pitching records, was named the SEC’s Pitcher of the Year in 2023 and brought home back-to-back all-American honors.

ne of Penta’s last performances in an Auburn uniform ended up being one of her best as she helped the Tigers to a 2-1 win over UCF in a 12-inning thriller during the NCAA Tournament in May.Former

That night, Penta became the first pitcher in program history to log 250-plus strikeouts in three consecutive seasons, while also breaking the program record for strikeouts in a game as she fanned 19 UCF batters.

With 76 total wins in her career, Penta left Auburn as the program’s winningest pitcher.

Now, she’ll look to coach along the bullpen at JMU.

“I am incredibly excited to join a program with such a great reputation and culture,” Penta said in a release. “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 get the opportunity to coach against her alma mater during the 2025 season as Auburn and JMU meet in the Huntsville’s Rocket City Showcase on Feb. 21.