Accomplished softball player joins NICC’s staff

Head Cougar Softball Coach Nick Weinmeister has added a former "Pitcher of the Year" at the Junior College (JUCO) level to his coaching staff. Kailee Pollard was named an assistant coach at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in July after spending the past three years as an assistant with Marshalltown High School.

Pollard grew up in Marshalltown before attending Central Community College in Columbus, Neb. There, she won two regional championships and set four school pitching records that still stand today.

Her next stop was the University of Minnesota Crookston, where she finished her collegiate career.

"I started giving private pitching lessons when I was in high school to try and give back to Marshalltown's youth," Pollard said, "and ever since then, I have had a passion for coaching and how rewarding it is."

Analytics is an aspect she considers while coaching, but also includes experiences from the past and relies on connections she's made while being involved in the sport.

"I was pretty successful at the JUCO level," Pollard said, "so I know what it takes for a team to succeed."

When this position opened, she quickly became interested. Her head coach while playing at Crookston is now her boss at NICC, Nick Weinmeister.

"Kailee has a passion for the game of softball that will resonate with our team," Weinmeister said, "and she is someone who is not afraid to put the time in to help in any way that she can. Since her playing days, I could tell she was going to be a great coach someday, and I am happy to have her here at NICC."

The Cougars started fall practice the week of Aug. 18 and will play several scrimmages before their regular season starts next February. View their schedule, roster and all NICC Athletics news at niccathletics.com.