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Ashley Daugherty Hired Graphic

Daugherty Joins Softball Raft As Pitching Coach

Will join the raft after winding up pro season in Italy

July 14, 2025

By: Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)
SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay recently welcomed Ashley Daugherty as its new assistant softball coach. Daugherty will be joining the staff of Head Coach Emily Montañez after a collegiate playing career at Texas A&M and the University of San Diego.

She will serve as the Otters' pitching coach for the 2026 season.

"I am thrilled to welcome Ashley to the Otter Raft and our staff," says CSUMB Head Coach Emily Montañez. "She brings great experience and knowledge to our team and pitching staff. Ashley is passionate about developing athletes both as a person and a player. I'm excited to see the continued growth in our bullpen."

For Daugherty, the opportunity to coach at CSUMB was simply too good to pass up. A former teammate reached out to her about the open position, and after learning more about the program, Daugherty knew it was the perfect fit.

"I became interested in the position at CSUMB because it aligns with both my coaching philosophy and my long-term goals in collegiate athletics," said Daugherty. "What stood out to me right away was the program's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes—both academically and athletically—which is something I deeply value. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a program that's clearly on the rise and be part of its next chapter."

The Central Coast native also noted that returning home for this position was an added bonus.

"After a year of playing and coaching overseas, plus being away as a collegiate student-athlete for the prior five, I felt a strong pull to come back to my roots on the Central Coast," said Daugherty. "The beauty of the campus in a beach town on the coast was only a bonus."

Daugherty is also excited to work under Montañez, who is entering her second season at the helm.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the CSUMB softball staff under Coach Montañez's leadership," said Daugherty. "Her commitment to excellence and ability to connect with her staff and players is one of the many reasons I was drawn to this position.

"Coach Montañez has a clear vision for the program and she's passionate about developing student-athletes both on and off the field. I'm eager to learn from her, contribute to her coaching philosophy and work together to elevate the program to new heights."

Before returning to the United States, Daugherty spent some time playing and coaching overseas. That experience has helped mold her into the coach she is today.

"Playing and coaching abroad exposed me to a wide range of coaching styles, player personalities, and softball cultures. I've learned to adapt quickly, communicate clearly across language and cultural barriers, and stay open-minded in my approach to teaching the game. Ultimately, my coaching style is about building trust, creating a positive and competitive environment, and helping pitchers grow not just as athletes, but as confident, resilient women," said Daugherty. "I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Montañez and Otter Athletics for this opportunity."

Daugherty earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of San Diego in 2024.


 
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