POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist University softball assistant coach
Kristin Erb has been hired by California University of Pennsylvania as its next head coach.
Erb was part of head coach
Joe Ausanio's staff at Marist for the past four seasons. In this time, the Red Foxes posted a record of 138-88-1 (.610 winning percentage) with two trips to NCAA Regionals and two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular-season championships. In the 2025 season, the Red Foxes set program records for wins in a season (48) and earned their first victory at NCAA Regionals in program history.
"I want to thank head coach
Joe Ausanio, director of athletics Tim Murray and the rest of the athletics administrative staff that helped support me making the move from South Carolina to New York," Erb said. "Everyone was so welcoming. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that I had. Joe let me take control of some things that I haven't done before, and guided me toward achieving my goal of becoming a head coach, especially in the PSAC, a conference that I've played in and grown to love."
Prior to her arrival at Marist, Erb spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Coastal Carolina. This was preceded by one year apiece at Austin Peay, James Madison, and Lock Haven – her alma mater.
As a player at Lock Haven, Erb had a remarkable career. She remains the Division II record holder in wins, innings pitched, complete games, and shutouts. Erb was a two-time national champion, two-time national player of the year, and three-time national pitcher of the year. She won four league championships in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, where she will now have her first position as a head coach.
"I'm super excited for Coach Erb and California University," Ausanio said. "They're getting an outstanding person and an incredible head coach who knows every facet of the game. When Kristin told me of her interest in the position, she told me wanted to go back to Division II and win a national championship. I have no doubt that is a realistic goal."
