AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach Jamie Pinkerton has named Sydney Albaugh, an Elkhart, Iowa, native, as Director of Softball Operations for the Cyclones.

Albaugh comes to Ames after playing five collegiate seasons between Kirkwood and Omaha, having just recorded 12 starts with the Mavericks last season. Albaugh initially joined the Cyclone softball program as a graduate assistant before being promoted.

“I am very excited to join Coach Pinkerton and his staff and to be a part of the culture they have created here in Ames,” said Albaugh. “Coming back home and being able to work at such a prestigious university and program is truly a dream come true for me.”

After attending North Polk High School, Albaugh began her collegiate career at Kirkwood. There, over three seasons, she recorded 138 hits in 133 games played, recording 28 homers and 23 doubles. She slashed .400/.443/.728 with the Eagles and tallied 125 RBI while scoring 96 runs.

At Omaha, the infielder played in 42 games, making 20 starts over the last two seasons. Sydney was surehanded in the field, recording 112 putouts and a .983 fielding percentage.

“We’re happy to welcome Sydney to the staff as our director of operations,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “She’s been a part of our program for the last semester, so when the position came open, it was an easy transition for her and for us. Sydney is a lifelong Cyclone fan and has played at the JUCO and the DI level and knows the inner workings of a softball program. She’s a welcome addition to our staff!”

Albaugh earned her bachelor’s degree (’23) from Omaha in communication studies and is currently getting a mass communication and media studies master’s degree from Iowa State.