ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Director of Athletics Dr. Dennis Francois has announced the hiring of Ronnie Ladines as the next head coach of the CWU softball program.
"I'm incredibly excited to return home to Washington to lead CWU's softball program," Ladines said. "I want to thank Dr. Dennis Francois for the opportunity to guide this team and build something special. My focus is on developing a competitive, team-first culture that supports our student-athletes in reaching their full potential on the field, in the classroom, and in life. I look forward to connecting with our student-athletes, alumni, and the Wildcat community!"
A native of Arlington, Washington, Ladines returns home after building an impressive foundation as both a Division I player and a rising collegiate coach. She most recently served as the interim head coach at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, where she led the Rattlers to marquee wins over multiple nationally ranked opponents and helped guide four athletes to All-Conference honors.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Ladines back home to Washington state and to have her take the helm of our softball program at Central Washington University," said Dr. Francois. "There were a lot of things we were looking for in our next coach, some of which were tangible and some intangible. Ronnie's experience and expertise in the circle is a major asset in a game that relies so heavily on pitching, but she also has an acute understanding of the game and the ever-changing advances in technology, training, strategy, and technique. What was even more impressive about Ronnie is her passion for coaching, her energy and enthusiasm, her competitiveness, and her understanding of the work it takes—as both a coach and a student-athlete—to achieve excellence in competition and in the classroom."
Ladines brings a diverse and impactful coaching background to Ellensburg. She began her collegiate coaching career at the University of Akron as a graduate assistant while earning her master's degree. In 2020, she was hired at Utah Valley University, helping guide the Wolverines to a 12-7 record before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 to 2023, she served as an assistant coach at The University of Texas, San Antonio, where she played a key role in pitching and catching development, helping the program earn back-to-back Conference USA Tournament appearances. In 2024, she joined the St. Mary's University staff as an assistant coach, helping the Rattlers to a 32-26 record, a Lone Star Conference Tournament victory over NCAA Division II Tournament-bound Oklahoma Christian, and an NCAA Division II Tournament berth. Her leadership and on-field impact led to her promotion to interim head coach for the 2025 season, during which she guided the Rattlers to a 26-29 record and engineered eight high-profile wins over NCAA Division II Tournament teams—highlighted by two victories over back-to-back national champion UT Tyler. At St. Mary's, she stepped into the role vacated by legendary head coach Donna Fields, who retired after a 27-year tenure leading the Rattlers.
Ladines made her mark as a two-way player at NCAA Division I Kent State University under longtime head coach Karen Linder, a 32-year coaching veteran. With the Golden Flashes, she compiled a 2.81 career ERA in the circle while batting .261 with 20 home runs. She helped lead the team to multiple Mid-American Conference titles and postseason appearances, including an NCAA Tournament berth in her senior season—showcasing a blend of power, poise, and leadership.
Ladines will begin her duties July 1 as she prepares to lead the Wildcats into a new era for the 2026 season.