Coach Emily Puente joined the Hope International University softball staff as a Graduate Assistant during the 2024 season following a successful three-year playing career with the Royals. She now serves as an Assistant Coach, working closely with the infield unit and mentoring student-athletes in their development both on and off the field.
Before her time at HIU, Puente transferred from Fresno City College, where she earned First Team CVC All-Conference and CCCAA All-NorCal Team honors. She continued her academic and athletic journey at Hope, graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and completing her Master’s Degree in Education in 2024.
As a student-athlete at HIU, Puente made an immediate impact. She was recognized as a GSAC Player of the Week, earned All-GSAC honors, and was selected to the GSAC Gold Glove Team in both 2021 and 2023. Her leadership and performance were instrumental in helping the Royals reach the GSAC Tournament in 2023.
In addition to her role at HIU, Coach Puente serves as the Head Softball Coach at Troy High School in Fullerton, California, where she continues to share her passion for the game by preparing young athletes for the next level of competition.
