Ball State has hired Helen Pena as the program’s new head coach.
Pena spent the 2023 season on staff at Middle Tennessee, helping lead the Blue Raiders to the Conference USA tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. The Blue Raiders reached the Tuscaloosa Regional final, playing in the winner-take-all regional title game.
Earlier this month, Pena was named the Extra Inning Softball Mid-Major Assistant Coach of the Year for her efforts in 2023.
Prior to her tenure at Middle Tennessee, Pena spent five years on staff at Memphis. Her resume also includes stints on staff at Menlo College, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal Poly.
Ball State finished the 2023 season with a 27-26 overall record, finishing the year with a 17-12 record in Mid-American Conference play. The Cardinals reached the MAC tournament for the second time in three years.
