Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State Softball Announces Additions to Coaching Staff
6/17/2026 6:05:00 PM | Softball
Rams set for inaugural season in the Pac-12 with a fresh start
FORT COLLINS – The Colorado State softball team and head coach Michelle Gascoigne announced additions to their coaching staff Monday afternoon.Â
Colorado State adds Tony Smith and retains Taylor Gilmore as assistant coaches heading into its 2027 season. These additions come as Colorado State prepares for the program's inaugural season as a new member of the Pac-12 conference. Smith will also act as recruiting coordinator.Â
"I am thrilled to announce Tony Smith as our hitting coach and recruiting coordinator," Gascoigne said. "Tony brings experience in working in all areas of the game and has a great way of connecting with athletes while preparing them to compete with confidence. It is also a dream come true to continue to work with my husband as our family makes this move to the wonderful community of Fort Collins."Â
"I'm grateful for my time at Northwestern and the people who helped me grow as a coach and person. As I begin this next chapter at Colorado State, I'm excited to join a program with incredible potential and a community that is deeply invested in its student-athletes," Smith said. "I look forward to building meaningful relationships and helping create a championship-caliber experience for everyone connected to Ram Softball."Â
Gilmore returns to the Colorado State coaching staff for her second year on staff as a CSU Alumni. Â
"I am excited to announce that Taylor will be returning to CSU to join our coaching staff this season. Taylor has a passion for Rams softball and a heart for mentoring the student athlete. Her experience at CSU as a player and coach will help us build momentum in this transition."Â
"I am absolutely thrilled to return to CSU as an assistant coach! Having had the chance to both play and coach here makes this opportunity incredibly special to me. I love this program, these girls, this community, and this state. It's an honor to continue contributing to a program I hold so close to my heart. Under Coach Michelle Gascoigne's leadership, I'm extremely excited about the bright future ahead for this team. I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together."Â
More on Smith:Â
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Smith enters Colorado State with more than a decade of coaching and player development experience across collegiate and professional baseball and softball programs. Â
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Served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the softball program at Northwestern since 2023, where he assisted with offensive development, lineup management, scouting, on-campus recruiting and game strategy. Â
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Helped guide Northwestern to consecutive Big Ten championships in 2023 and 2024.Â
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Previously worked as a player development coach in the Detroit Tigers organization. Â
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Former professional baseball player with experience in independent professional leagues across the United States and Canada. Â
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Holds numerous certifications in pitching development, biomechanics, force plate analysis and athlete performance technology. Â
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Brings a proven track record of developing student-athletes and fostering a championship culture.Â
More on Gilmore:Â
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Gilmore enters her second season as an assistant coach with the Rams as they head into the 2027 season.Â
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Served as the assistant pitching coach at CSU, managing daily pitching development, bullpen sessions, game planning and in-game decision-making. Â
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Previously coached at San Jose State, where she provided pitching instruction, opponent scouting and game strategy development.Â
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Helped develop multiple all-conference pitchers, including Reagan Wick at CSU and Mia Reynolds at SJSU.Â
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Known for her player-first coaching philosophy, Taylor Gilmore combines elite pitching development, recruiting expertise and strong relationship-building skills to help student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. Â
Smith and Gilmore are the first hires to Gascoigne's inaugural staff at CSU. Gascoigne and the Rams will look to round out the coaching staff as the summer continues.Â
