Crookston, Minn. – Athletics Director Stephanie Helgeson and the University of Minnesota Crookston announced Ashton Sangster has been named head softball coach. Sangster takes over for her former boss, Nick Weinmeister, whom she was an assistant coach for three seasons.
Sangster becomes the seventh head coach in the Division II era and the eighth overall. Sangster has seen vast improvements with the Golden Eagles in her three seasons and won 47 games in three seasons, the best in a three-year span in Golden Eagle history.
Sangster has seen two All-Conference performers in her time coaching first base, including Dana Zarn, who was named to the NSIC All-Second Team in 2022 and Whitnee Curry, who was named to the All-NSIC First Team this past season. Curry was the first Golden Eagle named to the first team since 2002.
"I am very excited to announce the elevation of Ashton to lead our softball program," said Helgeson. "She has helped usher in vast improvement in our program and I am confident in her ability to continue to have the program on a great path. She has put in countless hours with the team and has worked extremely hard for Golden Eagle softball. Today is a great day for Golden Eagle softball!"
Prior to her three seasons as assistant coach for the Golden Eagles, she spent a season at Labette Community College, where the Cardinals won 34 games.
Sangster was also a standout on the field at the Division II level. Sangster played at Arkansas Tech for four seasons and made the NCAA Tournament as both a sophomore and junior, with her team being just one win away from the College World Series. Sangster was a two-time All-Conference performer, as well.
"I want to thank Stephanie Helgeson for putting her trust in me to lead the talented group of athletes that we have and to Nick Weinmeister for everything that he has done for myself and Golden Eagle softball," said the newly appointed Sangster.
"I have seen so much growth within the team over the last three years and I am grateful I have the opportunity to lead this program. Moving forward, we will continue to strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in life," she continued. "I have no doubt that we have the tools and players to be successful and surpass many more milestones. I can't wait to get started!"
Sangster has her Associates of Arts degree in General Education from Arkansas Tech, as well as he Bachelors of Science degree in Health PE Wellness and Fitness from Arkansas Tech, as well as a minor in General Business. She received her Master of Science in Sport Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in December of 2021.
