POTSDAM, N.Y.—SUNY Potsdam Athletic Director James Zalacca has announced that Nicole Yost has been named the Bears' head softball coach. In addition to leading Potsdam on the diamond, Yost will also serve as the Bears' assistant sports information director.
 
"We're delighted that Nicole has accepted our offer," said Zalacca. "Her experiences gained from both her playing and coaching careers truly separated her from a very strong field of candidates. We're tremendously excited on embarking in this new chapter of SUNY Potsdam softball with Nicole as our head coach."
 
For the last two seasons, Yost served as the assistant coach at Misericordia University where she participated in all aspects of the program. She was a hitting and fielding instructor, planned practices and clinics, directed all program fundraising and recruited athletes. During her time with the Cougars, Misericordia saw a seven-win improvement, going from 16-22 in 2013 to 25-17 in 2014 to reach the Freedom Conference and ECAC South playoffs. Since 2011, Yost has also assisted the Silver Bullets 18-under travel team in Williamsport, Pa. and the Jersey Shore (Pa.) High School team.
 
Prior to her coaching career, Yost was a three-year captain and four-year starter for Mansfield University. The catcher/outfielder was highly decorated with the Mounties. Yost ranks second on the program's career home run list (23) and third on the single-season homer list (9). She was a first team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) selection in 2009 and 2010. She was also the Mounties Spring Athlete of the Year in 2009.
 
As Potsdam's ASID, Yost will assist sports information director Dan Bronson in all facets of the department's coverage of the Bears' 16 varsity programs.
 
Yost, an Antes Fort, Pa. native, earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education for mathematics from Mansfield in 2011 and her master's in instructional technology from Misericordia this May.