Emily 'Bird' Herren also joined the Indiana State Softball program in the fall 2024 as an assistant coach and hitting coach on Windy Thees' coaching staff.
Coach "Bird" is a native of Rome, Ga. where she played softball at the University of Georgia and received numerous accolades during her time as a Bulldog to highlight her time prior to joining the Sycamore staff. Herren was a member of the 2008-2009 roster which became the first team in school history to make it to the Women's College World Series.
At the end of the 2008-2009 season, Herren received the Kim McClung Award which is awarded to those players who show heart, dedication, and great love of the game.
After competing for the Dawgs, Coach Bird completed her degree in Exercise Science with a minor in coaching from Jacksonville State University in 2013. Herren then started a private and team sports specific training at Jack City Sports Center in Dacula, Ga. Herren served as the Facility Manager, Head Trainer, and Sports Specific Trainer at Jack City Sports Center from 2013 to 2019, where she organized fundraising events, camps, and weekly schedules, while developing training and agility programs for athletes and teams. She also monitored and recorded progress of clients.
She has coached Elite 18U travel ball for the past 11 years, during which she has trained and helped numerous athletes perform at a high-level year in, and year out.
In high school, Coach "Bird" lettered 6 different sports, including softball, soccer, basketball, track cross country, and being the first female football player for her high school, all while maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and graduating with a Duel Seal diploma and gaining her CNA certification.
