COLUMBUS – Columbus State University softball head coach Brad Huskisson has announced the addition of three new faces to the Cougars' coaching staff, bolstering the program's leadership for the 2025-26 season.

CSU softball is pleased to announce the hire of Claire Ginder as the assistant coach as well as adding Laura Harris and Marissa Frederick as graduate assistant coaches.

Assisting the leadership of the program, Ginder brings a diverse background as a high-level talent on the field with a rising career in coaching. She joins the staff after previously serving as the first female coach at the Florida Baseball Armory, a nationally recognized performance and training facility.

"We are extremely excited about Claire joining our program," Huskisson stated. "Claire interviewed well, and we feel like she is on track to make a career coaching softball. She will no doubt, be one of the top newcomers in the country."

The Lithia, Florida native competed in the NCAA Division I ranks, beginning her career at Furman (S.C.) in 2021 and making a stop at Texas State during the 2022-24 seasons to finish out her undergrad. She most recently played for Southern Miss in 2025 as a graduate transfer, earning a place on the College Sports Communicator's (CSC) Academic All-District Team in the process.

While at Texas State, Ginder was an everyday starter in the 2022 season, but battled injury during 2023 and eventually would redshirt in 2024. She was a two-time member of the CSC Academic All-District Team, earned the Texas State Star of Excellence award, was named to the Sun Belt Commissioner's List, and earned the Sun Belt 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award.

During her time at Furman, Ginder was a starter as a middle infielder and was named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team, and SoCon Honor Roll.

Ginder holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State and earned a master's degree in Sport Management from Southern Miss, along with a graduate certificate in Sport Security.

Ginder's softball experience goes beyond the collegiate realm, as she was a member of the USA Softball U-17 National Team which won the 2019 Pan American Games. She also was an All-FACA All-State Selection during her high school career at Newsome High where the program won a district tile, a regional crown, and made an FHSAA 9A State Championship finals appearance.

In addition to the assistant position, Coach Huskisson is excited to strengthen the group of graduate assistants for the upcoming season. CSU softball adds Laura Harris and Marissa Frederick to the staff.

Harris a former CSU Cougar, was a two-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection, a PBC All-Tournament Team honoree, and the program leader in hit-by-pitches. Harris competed in the red and blue from 2021-2024.

"Laura played here and was very successful," Huskisson said. "She bleeds Cougar red, white, and blue. It was important for us to bring a former Cougar back and be a part of the staff."

As for Frederick, she comes to Columbus as a graduate from Southern Miss. She pitched for the Golden Eagles for two seasons, making 12 appearances and posting a 4-2 record. Prior to USM, she competed for Saint Francis from 2022-23.

"Marissa is a great person, loves the game of softball, and pitching," Huskisson stated. "She has played at a high level and knows what that entails."

"For both Laura and Marissa, I am honored to have them join the staff and help them begin their coaching careers with our program," Huskisson added.