STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – Former Youngstown State assistant and Fairmont State standout pitcher Dominique Nuzum has been named Franciscan University softball head coach. She is set to become the Barons' sixth head coach since the program's inception in 2009.
"We are thrilled to bring on Dominique as our next softball head coach," said Franciscan Director of Athletics Scott Greve. "She brings with her great success at all three levels of NCAA softball both as a coach and player and we are excited for her to lead the next chapter of our program. She will be a great mentor and example for our young ladies moving forward. It is an exciting time for Franciscan Softball."
Nuzum takes the reigns after spending last season as the assistant softball coach and pitching coach at Youngstown State. During her time with the Penguins, she helped guide the team to their best start in the last 15 years and helped Elle Buffenbarger throw Youngstown State's first no hitter in 10 years. Before that, Nuzum was an assistant coach at Washington & Jefferson assisting the team to a fifth-place finish in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC).
"I am very excited to continue my coaching career at Franciscan University," said Nuzmun. "This program has great potential and I can't wait to take the team to the next level. I want to thank Franciscan for giving me the opportunity to continue and build upon the success of this program that I believe can compete as a top contender at the Division III level. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to helping develop and get to know each of these young ladies."
During her time playing at Fairmont State, Nuzum earned multiple All-Conference Honors finishing her senior season with a record of 16-6 as a starting pitcher. She led the Falcons to a playoff appearance that season, highlighted by a seven-strikeout performance in a win over nationally ranked West Virginia Wesleyan. Nuzum finished her career fourth in school history in wins and fifth in career strikeouts.
In addition to her coaching experience and playing days, she has also assisted with a variety of softball camps and clinics as an instructor during her time at Youngstown State and Washington & Jefferson. Nuzum also served as the JO Commissioner of USA Softball of West Virginia organizing and overseeing softball tournaments across multiple age groups
Nuzum earned her master's degree in Exercise Science, Fitness & Wellness Concentration from Fairmont State in 2016 after previously graduating from Fairmont State with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2014.
