Pleskovic

Softball

Megan Pleskovic Named Head Softball Coach at Northern Kentucky University

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Interim Director of Athletics John Mason has announced the hiring of Megan Pleskovic as the next head coach of the Norse softball program.

"Megan is an outstanding addition to our Norse family," said Mason. "Her demonstrated success in leading a program, regional ties and commitment to student-athlete development make her a natural fit for our program. We're excited for the leadership and vision Megan will bring as she builds on our strong foundation and momentum in leading our softball program into its next chapter."

Pleskovic arrives at NKU following a highly successful seven-year tenure as head coach at Bridgewater College, where she compiled a 145-113 overall record and guided the Eagles to sustained success in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).

Pleskovic most recently led Bridgewater to one of the best seasons in program history. The Eagles advanced to the 2026 ODAC Championship Series for the first time since 2012, finishing with a 29-16 overall record.

The 2025 campaign proved equally impressive, as Pleskovic guided the Eagles to a 29-14 record, including victories over two nationally ranked opponents and a top-50 finish in the NCAA Division III National Power Index. Following the season, she was named ODAC Coach of the Year, becoming the first Bridgewater softball coach to earn the honor since 2006.
Under Pleskovic's leadership, Bridgewater became a consistent contender in one of NCAA Division III's premier softball conferences. The Eagles qualified for the ODAC Tournament in each of her six full seasons, highlighted by six consecutive postseason appearances from 2021-26. Her teams earned 30 All-ODAC selections, six NFCA All-Region honors, and one third-team All-American during her tenure.

"We are thrilled to welcome Megan Pleskovic to Northern Kentucky University and Norse softball," said Sarah Pruess, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator. "Megan's track record of success, her reputation as a recruiter and player developer, and her ability to foster a culture of accountability and growth distinguished her throughout the process. She has produced winning results on the field while maintaining a strong commitment to the holistic development of her student-athletes. We look forward to the continued growth and success of NKU Softball under her leadership."

Before becoming head coach at Bridgewater, Pleskovic served as an assistant coach at Adrian College and a graduate assistant coach at Hiram College. During her time as an assistant coach, she helped develop multiple all-conference performers and coached Hiram's first NFCA All-Region selection since 2011.

At Adrian, she served as the hitting and outfield coach while helping implement an offensive approach that led to improvements in nearly every major offensive category. At Hiram, she served as recruiting coordinator, hitting and outfield coach, and strength and conditioning coordinator.

In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Pleskovic has worked at the club level with the Explosive Elite 16U program and currently serves on the NFCA Head Coaches Committee.

"I am beyond excited and honored to be the next head softball coach at Northern Kentucky University," said Pleskovic. "I want to sincerely thank Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, John Mason, Sarah Pruess and the search committee for the opportunity and their support during this process. The NKU softball team has a culture of success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, and I can't wait to continue building upon what those have done throughout the history of the program."

A native of Strongsville, Ohio, Pleskovic earned a bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in exercise science from Defiance College, where she was a four-year softball letterwinner, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a two-year member of the school's leadership group. She later earned a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Hiram College.

Pleskovic becomes the seventh head coach in program history and will begin her duties immediately. She inherits a program that captured the 2026 Horizon League Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

What They're Saying About Megan Pleskovic
Curt Kendall, Director of Athletics, Bridgewater College
"We wish Megan nothing but the best as she moves into the next chapter of her career. She elevated our softball program back to the top of the ODAC and back to the national stage over her seven years at Bridgewater. We thank her for her hard work and dedication during her time at BC and look forward to seeing her excel at the Division I level."

Brandon Elliott, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Head Softball Coach, Virginia Wesleyan University
"Meg P is not an up-and-coming coach—she has already arrived. Meg is a relentless recruiter and an elite developer of talent. However, what makes her truly great is that she has always been a relationship-first leader. NKU got this right, and although I will miss seeing Meg in the opposing dugout, I'm extremely proud of her. NKU has already gotten better."

Scott Pohlman, Director of Athletics & Former Head Softball Coach, Hiram College
"It has been my pleasure to be associated with Megan for approximately eight years. I have had the good fortune to watch her grow from a young graduate assistant who was learning the game of softball to an established head softball coach. NKU should be excited to have a hardworking coach who has studied the game of softball and has excelled in her craft. I believe that Megan is one of the up-and-coming great coaches of the game."

Loren LaPorte, Head Softball Coach, James Madison University
"Megan Pleskovic has demonstrated a remarkable history of success and passion for the game throughout her coaching career. She is a proven leader who understands the importance of building a great culture and cultivating meaningful relationships with her players. I have no doubt that she will do a remarkable job leading Northern Kentucky and will continue to elevate the softball program through her commitment to excellence, integrity, and player development." 
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