"This is about Head coach Tom Pennino woman softball team 2022-2026 As a former player with high-level softball experience, I chose this program based on big promises regarding playing time and a supportive environment. Unfortunately, those turned out to be completely empty promises. The leadership here lacks a basic understanding of the game, exhibits highly alarming behavioral issues, and quickly drains your passion for the sport. Severe Professional Misconduct: Substance Abuse During Trips/Games: The head coach has a known pattern of showing up to team games under the influence, as well as arriving at players' housing during travel trips drunk and high. Aggressive Verbal Threats: Leadership uses extreme intimidation, including calling players during off-hours to issue hostile verbal threats. He uses personal information to belittle and threaten athletes, showing no hesitation when verbally abusing non-favorite players. Targeted Hostility: Players and families who question his methods or decide to exit the program have been personally threatened and harassed by this coach. Key Issues with Coaching & Strategy: Lack of Softball Knowledge: The coach relies strictly on baseball logic and lacks a fundamental understanding of softball strategy, base running, bunting, pitch sequencing, spin locations, fielding, and batting strategy. Roster Mismanagement: He ignores team depth and refuses to watch pitchers warm up, relying heavily on a few favorites while leaving talented bench players to sit without development. Poor Player Preparation: Players are suddenly thrown into games after months of seeing no live pitching, fielding, or mound time, completely setting them up for failure. Key Issues with Team Culture: Blame Culture: Leadership refuses to take accountability for tactical mistakes, choosing instead to scream at players and actively cause teammates to turn on each other. Mind Games: Positions and playing time are used as psychological threats rather than being earned through merit or performance. Hostile Departures: Players who decide to leave the program are met with retaliation, targeted bullying, and hostile communication that even extends to their families. A Note on the Roster's Potential: The one true positive of my experience was my teammates. They are incredibly talented athletes and genuinely good people who understand the game of softball deeply, far better than the head coach. Any frustration or division within the team was a direct result of the coach constantly shifting blame for losses onto us and accusing the players of lacking accountability. This roster is capable of great things, and the program would absolutely thrive under a positive leader who simply knows how to support their athletes, rather than manipulate them. Conclusion: When I was researching this coach at the time when I was trying to make a decision between three other schools, there were zero reviews available. This lack of information heavily influenced my decision to commit, as I expected a fun and competitive softball experience. Now that other players and parents are speaking out, I want to confirm that these negative experiences are 100% accurate. If these reviews had existed when I was looking, I absolutely would have chosen a different university. Do not waste your talent, your time, or your mental health on this program. Look elsewhere."