Photo by: Rob Rasmussen / P8Photos.com
Smith Adds Xen Penny to Coaching Staff
11/17/2025 11:54:00 AM | Softball
HAMDEN, Conn. – The Quinnipiac softball program and Head Coach Hillary Smith have announced the hiring of Xen Penny, as revealed on
Penny most recently serves as a Minor League Coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization from 2022-2023.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Xen to Quinnipiac," Smith said. "He is passionate, relationship-driven, and has a brilliant mind for the game. Xen is one of the most forward-thinking offensive coaches I've been around, and his ability to communicate, teach, and elevate hitters will be a huge asset to our student-athletes. We're thrilled to have him here to help continue elevating our program!"
A former collegiate baseball player at both Rowan College and Clarke University, Penny served as the everyday hitting coach for newly drafted Diamondbacks players over the past two seasons. He worked in the Complex League, Low-A, and High-A, where he guided hitters, developed individualized training plans, and collaborated on game strategies.
He also ran his own hitting business in Arizona for the last three years.
Before his time in professional baseball, Xen coached at Next Level Academy and WOW Factor, where he helped athletes enhance performance through effective training habits, customized instruction, and positive communication.
Known for his strong interpersonal approach and analytical mindset, Xen holds a B.A. in History from Clarke University and continues expanding his coaching toolkit, including learning Spanish to better connect with players.
As a student-athlete, Penny finished 2nd Team All-GSAC as a member of Rowan College.
To stay up-to-date with Quinnipiac Softball news, follow the Bobcats on X/Instagram @QU_SOFTBALL or visit www.gobobcats.com.
Penny most recently serves as a Minor League Coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization from 2022-2023.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Xen to Quinnipiac," Smith said. "He is passionate, relationship-driven, and has a brilliant mind for the game. Xen is one of the most forward-thinking offensive coaches I've been around, and his ability to communicate, teach, and elevate hitters will be a huge asset to our student-athletes. We're thrilled to have him here to help continue elevating our program!"
A former collegiate baseball player at both Rowan College and Clarke University, Penny served as the everyday hitting coach for newly drafted Diamondbacks players over the past two seasons. He worked in the Complex League, Low-A, and High-A, where he guided hitters, developed individualized training plans, and collaborated on game strategies.
He also ran his own hitting business in Arizona for the last three years.
Before his time in professional baseball, Xen coached at Next Level Academy and WOW Factor, where he helped athletes enhance performance through effective training habits, customized instruction, and positive communication.
Known for his strong interpersonal approach and analytical mindset, Xen holds a B.A. in History from Clarke University and continues expanding his coaching toolkit, including learning Spanish to better connect with players.
As a student-athlete, Penny finished 2nd Team All-GSAC as a member of Rowan College.
To stay up-to-date with Quinnipiac Softball news, follow the Bobcats on X/Instagram @QU_SOFTBALL or visit www.gobobcats.com.
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