James Madison University softball has announced that former Auburn All-American pitcher Maddie Penta will be the new pitching coach for the Dukes.

Maddie finished her two-time All-American career with a tremendous senior campaign in 2024 that saw her start 30 games and win 16 with a save. The SEC standout compiled a 1.90 ERA (only 55 earned runs all season in 202.1 innings pitched) with a 0.98 WHIP.

Known for her prodigious strikeout totals, the 6-foot-2 intimidating pitcher had 264 in her finals season to become the first pitcher in Tigers’ history to record three straight seasons of at least 250 strikeouts.

The following is James Madison’s official press release issued late last week:

James Madison softball Head Coach Loren LaPorte announced the hiring of new Assistant Coach Maddie Penta on Thursday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maddie Penta as our new pitching coach,” LaPorte said.

“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.”

Penta is coming off a record-breaking career at Auburn University where she spent all four years of her collegiate career under former JMU Head Coach Mickey Dean.

During her time with the Tigers, she accumulated numerous accolades highlighted by being named 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year and back-to-back All-American selections, including a first team nod for the 2023 season.

Penta also holds the program record for wins by a pitcher for the Tigers with 76 in her tenure. The Chesapeake City, Md., native amassed a career 1.79 ERA in 706 innings pitched.

“I am incredibly excited to join a program with such a great reputation and culture,” said Penta.

“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.”

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Line Drive Softball’s Brentt Eads had Maddie ranked as the No. 1 pitcher in the Class of 2020 grad class when she attended Bohemia Manor High in Chesapeake City, Md. and played travel ball for Joe Spina’s PA Chaos program.

Maddie went 21-0 as a senior with a 0.11 ERA and had 299 strikeouts against only 16 hits to earn high school All-American honors and was named as the Gatorade State Player of the Year for the 2019-2020 campaign, her second year in a row winning the award.

Maddie won three Maryland Class 1A high school state titles and in one of the state championship games tossed a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts.

She finished her stellar prep career with a 49-1 record, a 0.07 ERA and had 762 strikeouts in 321 innings pitched, an average of 2.37 K’s per inning.