FORMER THREE-TIME ALL-AMERICAN NAMED NEXT NORTHEAST HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College has named Erin Sharpe the second head softball coach in program history, it was announced Thursday by Athletic Director Jerrett Mills.

Sharpe previously made successful coaching stops at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska and Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado before joining Northeast. Sharpe was an instrumental part of helping Midland University capture the Great Plains Athletic Conference Championship in 2022 and the GPAC Tournament Championship in 2023. Midland qualified for the 2023 NAIA World Series in Columbus, Georgia after defeating defending champion Oklahoma City University. The Warriors went on to beat two different teams at the NAIA World Series and finished the tournament in sixth place with an overall season record of 41-15. Sharpe has coached five All-Americans throughout her coaching career thus far.

Before entering coaching, Sharpe had a highly decorated playing career at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska where she played third base and pitched. Sharpe earned national recognition as she was named a First Team All-American by both the NAIA and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Sharpe was also named NSAA Softball Player of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and holds the record for most home runs in a career at Bellevue with 78. During the 2017 season, Sharpe led the entire NAIA with 28 home runs throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to announce Erin Sharpe as the next head softball coach at Northeast Community College," Mills said. "Erin is highly regarded in the softball community and brings a long list of qualities to build a strong foundation for our softball program. She will bring a wide range of skills that will enhance the experience for our student-athletes."

Sharpe is originally from Bosque Farms, New Mexico and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Health Science from Bellevue University in 2019 as well as a Master of Science degree in Learning and Talent Development from Midland University in 2023.

"I'm excited for this opportunity to move back to Nebraska and hit the ground running," Sharpe said. "Coach Woodhead has done an excellent job building the foundation the last eight years and I believe this will be a smooth transition for the student-athletes. I am honored to lead this team and am committed to bringing out the best in each student-athlete. With the endless support of the community and Northeast, I am determined to make big strides within the program. I'm eager to lean and grow alongside the student-athletes and bring Hawks Softball continued success into the future."

Sharpe will make her home debut with the Hawks at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk against McCook Community College.

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