By: Logan Tracy, Assistant Director of Communications

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings Athletics has announced Megan Valente as the next head coach of the Yellowjacket softball program.
 
"We are excited to appoint Megan as our new head softball coach," said MSUB athletic director Michael Bazemore. "She brings a very strong coaching pedigree and skillset as well as growth potential that will be a welcomed addition to our program and department. She has head coaching experience and Division II experience that will be beneficial for the development of our student-athletes."
 
Valente becomes the ninth head coach in program history, joining MSUB after most recently serving as the top assistant coach at Sonoma State University in 2025. The Seawolves finished second in the CCAA that season, appearing in both the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament while leading the nation in double plays, and throwing a pair of no-hitters during the season.
 
"I'm incredibly grateful to the MSUB search committee and athletic department for believing in me and my philosophy to run this program," Valente said. "Thank you to the coaches, mentors, friends and loved ones that have supported me throughout this journey. This team has talent and I cannot wait to get to work and start building this program into something special. I'm excited to begin this new era of Yellowjacket softball and bring my passion, energy and love of the game to the MSUB family."
 
Prior to her stint at Sonoma State, Valente was the head softball coach and sports information director at College of the Redwoods for three seasons, collecting a 39-66-1 record in her three seasons in charge. In 2023, Valente helped lead the Corsairs to the team's first winning season since 2006 with a 21-15 record. Valente's 2023 team ranked third in the 3C2A in batting average that season. Over her tenure as head coach, Valente's JUCO program had a 100% sophomore retention rate.
 
Valente also served as an assistant coach for two seasons at College of the Redwoods from 2018-2020, along with one season as an assistant coach with Adams State University in between her two stints with the Corsairs.
 
Valente began her coaching career at Mercy High School, where she was the head coach for two seasons, helping lead her team to a conference championship and earned coach of the year honors one time.
 
Valente played two seasons of college softball at Otero Junior College, where she earned her associate of arts degree. She holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Humboldt State University, along with a certificate in broadcasting from the Ohio Center of Broadcasting.