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Softball

Olympic Gold Medalist Jenny Topping to Lead CSUB Softball

Olympic Hall of Fame inductee and former Cal State Fullerton All-American brings elite playing credentials, offensive development expertise, and holistic coaching philosophy to Cal State Bakersfield Softball.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Athletics has named Olympic gold medalist Jenny Topping as the next head coach of the Roadrunner softball program, Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy announced Wednesday morning.

Topping brings a decorated playing career, a growing Division I coaching résumé, and a balanced development philosophy to Bakersfield. A 2004 Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, Topping has built a reputation as an elite softball development specialist and will apply her expertise with the `Runners.

"There are not many programs in the country that can say their head softball coach is a gold medalist, and we are incredibly proud that CSUB is one of them," Tuohy said. "Jenny's accolades as a player are remarkable, but honestly, what impresses me even more is who she is as a coach and as a person. Jenny embraces a holistic coaching philosophy, developing the whole athlete, and I genuinely believe that approach is the future of the sport. She is an exceptional softball coach, but Jenny is an even higher character human being, and that combination is exactly what CSUB Softball deserves."

Topping comes to CSUB after serving as an assistant softball coach and hitting and catching coach at Oregon State, where she led hitter development, offensive game planning, catcher instruction, scouting preparation and individualized athlete development. During her time in Corvallis, Topping helped guide one of the top offensive seasons in Oregon State history, contributing to significant year-over-year improvement across several major offensive categories.

Under Topping's guidance, Oregon State improved its batting average from .271 to .288, increased its home run total from 36 to a program-record 62, raised its RBI total from 192 to 249 and improved its slugging percentage from .420 to .479. The Beavers also led the West Coast Conference in home runs, slugging percentage and walks, while producing six hitters who batted .300 or better and three players with 10 or more home runs.

Topping also coached WCC Player of the Year Jaeya Butler during a historic, record-breaking season and helped mentor student-athletes who earned NFCA All-Region, All-WCC and All-WCC Freshman Team honors.

"The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most talent-rich softball regions in the country, and the opportunity to build a program in the heart of that community was incredibly exciting to me," Topping said. "I'm honored that CSUB's leadership has entrusted me to lead Roadrunner Softball into its next chapter. Together, we'll build a program rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and self-leadership that helps student-athletes reach their highest potential on the field, in the classroom, and in life."

Before her time at Oregon State, Topping served on the coaching staff at Cal State Fullerton, where she assisted with offensive development, catcher instruction, practice execution and individualized player development.

Topping's ties to California softball run deep. She is the owner and operator of Gold Medal Training, an elite softball training and player-development organization she founded in 2011. Through Gold Medal Training, Topping has provided advanced instruction for hitters, catchers and high-level travel-ball athletes while maintaining extensive recruiting relationships throughout California and the western United States.

"CSUB has a proud softball tradition, and I'm excited to help lead the next chapter of Roadrunner Softball," Topping said. "I look forward to reconnecting our alumni with a program and community they are proud to call their own and bringing generations of Roadrunners together around an aligned vision for the future. Our goal is to build on the foundation that came before us while creating new opportunities for success, connection, and pride throughout the Roadrunner community."

As an athlete, Topping was one of the most accomplished softball players of her era. She competed with USA Softball from 1999-2008, helping Team USA win gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. She also was a 2008 Olympic alternate, a 2003 Pan American Games gold medalist, and a 2006 world champion.

Professionally, Topping played for the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch and was part of the Racers' 2005 NPF championship team. She also competed professionally in Japan and was a two-time Japan Top 9 selection.

A standout collegiate player, Topping began her career at Washington, where she was named Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year and earned first-team All-America honors in 2000. She went on to star at Cal State Fullerton, where she was a three-time first-team All-American, three-time Big West Player of the Year and 2015 Cal State Fullerton Hall of Fame inductee.

During her Cal State Fullerton career, Topping helped the Titans win three straight Big West titles and posted a program-record slash line of .443/.573/.771 with 137 walks. She remains among the top five in Titan history in doubles and home runs and ranks seventh in RBI.

"My coaching style is centered on helping athletes trust themselves, compete with confidence, and perform at their highest level," Topping said. "As an Olympic athlete, I'm excited to bring elite skill development and championship-level mental performance training to CSUB, helping athletes move beyond fear, trust their preparation, and access the zone when it matters most. We will build a championship culture rooted in connection, belief, and growth that makes the entire Roadrunner community proud."

What they are saying about Jenny Topping...

Michele Smith, two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, ESPN color analyst, professional pitcher in Japan and USA Softball Hall of Fame inductee
"Jenny Topping is a brilliant choice to lead the Bakersfield softball program into the future. Jenny's knowledge and passion for the game of softball, as well as her Olympic experience, make her a unique hire. She was one of the greatest hitters the sport has seen, and her time behind the plate allows her a knowledge of the game on the defensive side that few can match at that elite level. I'm excited to watch her program excel as she coaches the young women on the Bakersfield Softball team."

Natasha Watley, two-time Olympic medalist, four-time All-American, seven-time pro All-Star and Honda Broderick Award winner
"I couldn't be more excited for Jenny and this opportunity at Cal State Bakersfield. She has always had an incredible passion for the game, a tremendous softball mind, and a genuine commitment to helping young women grow both on and off the field. Jenny brings energy, leadership, and authenticity to everything she does, and those qualities will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the program. This is a huge win for Bakersfield and for our sport. I can't wait to watch her build something special and inspire the next generation of student-athletes."

Amy Hogue, Utah head coach, All-American and former professional softball player
"Cal State Bakersfield has gained an outstanding leader in its new head coach. As both the parent of a player coached by Jenny Topping and a fellow coach, I have seen firsthand the impact she has on young athletes. What stands out most to me is her genuine investment in her players. JT understands that softball constantly challenges athletes mentally and emotionally, and she is deeply committed to helping them grow not only in skill and performance but also in confidence, resilience, and self-belief. This opportunity gives JT the chance to build the program she has always envisioned. I have no doubt she will create a culture rooted in accountability, growth, competitive excellence, and genuine care for her players. The athletes who have the opportunity to play for her will be challenged, supported, and equipped for success both on and off the field."
 
~GoRunners.com~
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