Staff Directory
Xen Penny
- Title:
- Softball Assistant Coach
- Email:
Xen Penny completed his first season as an assistant coach with the Quinnipiac softball program in 2026.
Penny works primarily with the Bobcats' hitters, overseeing offensive development, including run production, power hitting, and bat-to-ball skills. Under his guidance, Quinnipiac's offense took a significant step forward, helping fuel one of the best seasons in program history.
The Bobcats finished the 2026 campaign with a program-record 16 MAAC regular-season victories and a 24-21 overall record, securing the program's first winning season since 2012. Quinnipiac also won three consecutive games in the MAAC Tournament, defeating No. 6 Siena, No. 2 Fairfield, and No. 4 Sacred Heart to advance to the semifinals, marking the program's deepest postseason run since 2016.
Quinnipiac's offense saw huge improvement from the previous season, increasing its batting average from .232 to .312, OPS from .634 to .791, and slugging percentage from .324 to .422. The Bobcats also raised their production from 155 to 241 runs scored, 274 to 381 hits, 46 to 66 doubles, 12 to 17 home runs, and 122 to 207 RBIs.
The Bobcats also earned numerous postseason honors. Seniors Sofia Vega and Kennedy DeMott were named All-MAAC First Team, and senior Ally Hochstadter earned All-MAAC Second Team honors. All three received the first All-MAAC recognition of their careers, while DeMott was also named to the NFCA Division I All-East Third Team.
Penny most recently served 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.
Penny works primarily with the Bobcats' hitters, overseeing offensive development, including run production, power hitting, and bat-to-ball skills. Under his guidance, Quinnipiac's offense took a significant step forward, helping fuel one of the best seasons in program history.
The Bobcats finished the 2026 campaign with a program-record 16 MAAC regular-season victories and a 24-21 overall record, securing the program's first winning season since 2012. Quinnipiac also won three consecutive games in the MAAC Tournament, defeating No. 6 Siena, No. 2 Fairfield, and No. 4 Sacred Heart to advance to the semifinals, marking the program's deepest postseason run since 2016.
Quinnipiac's offense saw huge improvement from the previous season, increasing its batting average from .232 to .312, OPS from .634 to .791, and slugging percentage from .324 to .422. The Bobcats also raised their production from 155 to 241 runs scored, 274 to 381 hits, 46 to 66 doubles, 12 to 17 home runs, and 122 to 207 RBIs.
The Bobcats also earned numerous postseason honors. Seniors Sofia Vega and Kennedy DeMott were named All-MAAC First Team, and senior Ally Hochstadter earned All-MAAC Second Team honors. All three received the first All-MAAC recognition of their careers, while DeMott was also named to the NFCA Division I All-East Third Team.
Penny most recently served 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.
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