Mustang Classic brings Ball State coach back to Cal Poly roots

The Cal Poly softball team hosted two teams in early February – Oregon State and Ball State for the Mustang Classic. For one visiting coach, the trip to the Central Coast was more than just another road game.

Ball State head coach Helen Peña, a Cal Poly alumna, returned to her former home field not only to lead her team but also to reunite with her college coach, Jenny Condon, who is now in her 21st season as Cal Poly’s head coach.

“Yeah, it’s my alma mater,” Peña said. “So, you know, just one: really good to be back and see them. And then also, some of our girls had never been to the West Coast before. They’d never seen the Pacific Ocean. So I think it was just a really fun new experience that they got to have. And it’s a beautiful place, so why not?”

Peña played under Condon at Cal Poly before beginning her own coaching career with the Mustangs. She served as a student assistant coach in 2011 and a volunteer assistant coach in 2012. While she was initially unsure of her career path, Peña discovered her passion for coaching after an injury sidelined her in her senior season.

“I thought I wanted to be a teacher, I thought I wanted to join the Peace Corps,” Peña said. “I fell in love with helping the other pitchers adjust and the light bulb moments.”

Condon was thrilled to see Peña return as a fellow head coach and is proud of the journey she has taken since her playing days.

“It’s great, it’s so fun to see when you have former players that you know obviously had a great experience, and now they’re in the field themselves,” Condon said. “Helen has had quite the journey. When she came in as a freshman, she was super competitive, and it was really fun, and I know that she’s carried that over into her coaching.”

Following their final matchup of the tournament, Peña and Condon shared a heartfelt moment, hugging and chatting after the game. While the Mustang Classic served as an opportunity for players to hone their skills, for these two coaches, it was a time of reflection and appreciation for the past.

“It’s like I never left,” Peña said. “I think our relationship is very unique, and I will always be loyal to her and respect her. She helped me a lot in my life, and I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without her.”