North Dakota Softball Head Coach Jordan Stevens announced the hiring of former Fighting Hawk standout Madison Pederson as the program's newest assistant coach in September of 2024.
“Maddie will continue to a be a great asset to UND softball in this new role,” remarked Stevens. “Her experience and knowledge of the program will be a valuable resource for all current and future Fighting Hawks. I look forward to seeing her grow in this position and her helping us reach our goals on the field.”
NoDak softball fans need no introduction when it comes to Pederson. The Ham Lake, Minnesota native spent five seasons in the green and white appearing in 165 games with 157 starts. Despite a fifth season that ended early due to injury, Pederson eclipsed 100 career hits of which 43 went for extra bases including 30 doubles and 13 home runs. She was responsible for 76 RBI and 29 runs scored.
“I want to thank Jordan Stevens and the entire UND Athletic Department for giving me this opportunity,” noted Pederson. “I am excited to start my collegiate coaching career at the University of North Dakota after playing here for five years. I have loved this University since the day I stepped on campus, and I cannot wait to contribute to the team in a different role.”
While playing, Pederson coached Midwest Speed Club Softball in Minneapolis, Minnesota and at Red River High School in Grand Forks for three years.
Pederson’s impact expanded beyond the field as she served as UND softball’s team representative on the UND Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years. Additionally, she participated in Hawkademy, UND’s student-athlete leadership academy. Over her playing career, Pederson volunteered over 100 hours of community service with local organizations such as Special Olympics, UND SAAC pen pal program, Great Plains Food Bank and others.
Earlier this year, Pederson was named a Lillian Elsinga Outstanding Student Leader. The honor “recognizes students who have exhibited exemplary leadership skills through their campus involvement, volunteer service efforts, on-campus employment, or other life experiences.”
Pederson is a 2023 cum laude graduate of UND with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology-Physical Education with a coaching minor. She graduated in the spring of 2025 with a Masters of Science in Kinesiology from UND.
