BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb softball announced the addition of Mackenzi Steele as the program's new pitching coach, completing the coaching staff in advance of the 2023 season.

Steele joins the Runnin' Bulldogs after a stint as the volunteer assistant at the University of Nebraska.

"We are so excited that Mackenzi is joining our staff," said head coach Bailey Wigness. "She has been around some of the best coaches in the game and will bring a different level of knowledge to the bullpen. I believe she will be able to mold our pitching staff and take them to another level. She is the final piece to our puzzle. The future of this program is so bright."

During her time with the Huskers, Steele helped the program to a Big Ten Tournament title – the first since the school joined the league in 2011 – and an NCAA Tournament berth. Nebraska finished with a 41-16 overall recurd and went 17-5 against Big Ten competition. Steele, who threw batting practice last season while on staff, was part of a coaching staff that was named 2022 NFCA Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year – learning from some of the sport's greatest minds in Rhonda Revelle, Lori Sippel and Dianne Miller. She assisted in all aspects of the game, including bullpens, scouting, hitting, team practices, individual workouts, game operations and game strategy.

Before moving into the volunteer role, Steele served as the graduate assistant at Nebraska for two years. She earned a master's degree in higher education administration and finished with a stellar 3.95 grade point average. 

"I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity to join the Gardner-Webb family," said Steele. "I really believe in what is being built within the program and I can't wait to be a part of the growth. A huge thank you to Bailey Wigness and Chuck Burch for trusting me and believing in me to help lead the Gardner-Webb softball program. Leading young people is my passion and I am thankful to be doing it through the game that I love."

As a student-athlete, Steele finished her playing career at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She also played ta Daytona State College and Appalachian State before joining the Bison program. As a senior, she helped lead Howard to their first conference tournament win and highest tournament finish in nine seasons. She pitched 317 innings over two seasons at Howard in 73 appearances. She finished with a 3.63 grade point average with honors and an undergraduate degree in sports management.

Steele has given private pitching lessons since 2014 and has worked with pitchers all over the Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Nebraska areas. The Winchester, Va., native has trained pitchers currently playing at all levels of college softball, including the Power 5. Steele is also a Tincher Certified pitching instructor and plans to continue up to date on the latest pitching philsophies and techniques.