HIRAM, Ohio (pacathletics.org) - Hiram Athletics officially welcomed Giselle Bahena (Class of 2021 and 2023) back to campus on Monday, as the former First Team All-American re-joined the Terriers softball program as the 19th head coach in program history.

Bahena, who remains Hiram's all-time hits leader following a playing career from 2018-23, will take over for interim head coach and current Director of Athletics Scott Pohlman. She will look to extend a remarkable run for the program, with each of its last five seasons featuring more than 20 wins and a conference tournament appearance.

"We are excited to welcome Giselle back to campus in a head coaching role," Pohlman said. "Beyond the record-breaking numbers and All-American achievements, she also has made an impact on our program as a passionate, hard-working leader. I expect continued success for our program under Giselle's leadership."

Bahena spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Case Western Reserve University; she helped the Spartans to the finals of the NCAA Tournament and their first ever 40-win season in 2024, and lifted the program to another tourney berth this past spring. Her role included extensive work with the infielders, catchers and all aspects of the team's offense.

"Giselle took on a major role with a nationally ranked program in Case Western Reserve," Pohlman said. "Having multiple years of championship experience will make a difference with our student-athletes here at Hiram College."

The Pomona, California native had plenty of championship experience during her time as a player, too. She spearheaded the Terriers to consecutive NCAC Tournament Championships in 2022 and 2023 before guiding the team to its first-ever Super Regional appearance at the end of her sixth and final collegiate season.

"I am thrilled to return to the Terrier family," Bahena said. "My time at Hiram as a student-athlete was among the most impactful and rewarding years of my life, and it's an honor to now contribute to the program from a new perspective. I'm excited to give back to a place that gave so much to me and to help enhance the student-athlete experience for our current players."

Bahena finished her career with program records in hits (224) and runs scored (130), while also racking up First Team All-America in 2022. Between her final two seasons with the Terriers, she earned two All-Region selections, two All-NCAC First Team honors and the NCAC Player of the Year Award.

"My ultimate goal is to help develop strong women who are prepared and confident to pursue their aspirations after graduation," Bahena said. "While that development is my top priority, I'm also incredibly excited about our transition to the PAC. I hope to work our way back to a conference championship as well as more postseason appearances."

Bahena was also one of Hiram's most successful students in the classroom, becoming the softball program's first ever College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) First Team Academic All-America selection. She was a four-time NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete and a two-time NCAC Scholar-Athlete award winner, exceeding every GPA requirement while posting some of the best numbers the school has ever seen.

Bahena earned two degrees from Hiram College, including a bachelor's degree in biology in 2021 and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2023. Her graduate studies included a focus on mental health and its impact on collegiate athletics.

With the spring of 2026 right around the corner, Bahena and the rest of the Hiram Softball program will now set their sights on another championship run. The team will return to campus this fall and prepare for its return to the Presidents' Athletic Conference.

Contributed by Hiram Sports Information