Belmont University softball head coach Laura Matthews announced the hire of Emlyn Knerem [EM-lynn kah-NARE-um] as an assistant coach within the Bruin program on July 1, 2024.
 
Knerem brings an extensive coaching and playing resume to Belmont, having spent the past seven seasons as head coach at Ashland (OH) University.
 
"We are excited to have Emlyn join our coaching staff," Matthews said. "Her experiences in the dugout and on the mound will bring a new perspective to our program. Emlyn has high credibility as a coach and record-setting pitcher. Her insight on player development and recruiting will position us well to compete for the Missouri Valley Conference championship."
 
The Brunswick, Ohio native spent five seasons as an assistant coach, including stops at Kent State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Averett. Notably, Knerem was part of the 2017 Kent State softball team that won the Mid-American Conference Tournament and reached the NCAA Tournament.
 
Knerem stands among the most decorated pitchers in the history of NCAA softball. At Ashland, she was a two-time NCAA All-America selection, four-time Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) all-league selection, 2012 GLIAC Pitcher of the Year and 2009 GLIAC Freshman of the Year.
 
She led the Eagles to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three NCAA Tournament victories.
 
Knerem ranks second all-time in GLIAC history in strikeouts (1106) and innings pitched (834.2) and fourth in wins (95). She also posted a career 1.54 earned-run average and 11 saves.
 
A native of Brunswick, Ohio, Knerem earned her bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in business administration and coaching from Ashland and her master's degree in coaching from Ohio University.