North Polk Announces New High School Softball Coach

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

North Polk is thrilled to officially introduce our new High School Softball Coach, Addy Pender. We are eager for this addition to uphold the program's long-standing tradition of excellence.

Coach Pender brings with her eight years of high school softball coaching experience, all at Johnston High School. She has held various roles, including 8th/9th Grade Assistant, 9th Grade Head Coach, JV Head Coach, and Varsity Assistant under Hall of Fame Coach Todd Merical, who is currently the head coach at DCG.

Additionally, Pender has been coaching college softball at Simpson since 2019, focusing on catchers, with one athlete earning the title of All-Region Catcher in 2022.

Addy played high school softball at Johnston, where she was a five-year starter and part of the 2014 state champion team, as well as the 2013 and 2015 state runner-up squads. In 2014, she was honored by being named to the All-Tournament Team.

She continued her career at the collegiate level at Luther College, where she was a four-year starter and helped her team place 3rd in the nation at the Division III Women's College World Series in 2018.

Addy is dedicated to giving back to the young softball community by conducting clinics and providing lessons for aspiring players.

“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to coaching in the North Polk Community! Go Comets!” said Pender.

The district received six applications for the position, which the Activities Department reviewed, leading to four candidates being selected for final in-person interviews held on-site. The hiring committee consisted of two current North Polk coaches, two students, three administrators, and an administrative assistant.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Addy Pender to Comet Nation, pending board approval.