Burns Rounds Out Coaching Staff, Adds Whitney and Armendariz For 2027 Season
July 15, 2026 | Softball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Now official, Gardner-Webb softball coach, Matt Burns has named his staff for the upcoming 2027 season with Ella Whitney and Jazmyne Armendariz joining as assistant coaches
Stepping into coaching for the first time after a decorated playing career, and handling pitching for the Runnin' Bulldogs, will be Ella Whitney. Whitney arrives at Gardner-Webb after playing two seasons at FIU, and two seasons under Burns at Ball State.
"Ella had a tremendous college career," said Burns. Her work ethic and mental toughness are two qualities that helped fuel her success as a player, and I'm excited to see that translate to the coaching world. Our bullpen will benefit and develop both individually and as a group."
Whitney turned into one of the Cardinals most important players over two seasons, tossing 234 innings across 50 appearances for Ball State, to the tune of a 3.35 ERA in the circle. Whitney also hit .330 at the plate with 24 home runs for the Cardinals, taking home several major awards including a 2025 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team selection and two MAC Pitcher of the Week awards. She is one of just seven players in Ball State history to record 20 wins in the circle in one season, finishing 20-8 with a 2.84 ERA in 172 innings in 2025.
During her time at FIU, Whitney continued to hone her craft, playing 87 games and making 76 starts between 2023 and 2024. Whitney was named to both the 2023 All-CUSA Second Team and the 2023 CUSA All-Freshman Team after hitting .349 while also making 22 appearances in the circle.
Prior to her college career, Whitney was a standout player at Martinsville High School where she was named a Mid-State All-Conference honoree twice and Indiana All-State as a senior. She arrived at FIU as the the No. 50 ranked player and the No. 19 ranked pitcher/duo in the class of 2022 according to Extra Innings Softball.
Joining the staff in 2026 as an infield and outfield coach is Jazmyne Armendariz. Armendariz completes the staff, having previously worked as a graduate assistant at Valparaiso after a playing career that stretched over six seasons at Ball State.
"Jazmyne has always had an excellent drive and determination to be successful," said Burns. "Her experience in assisting many parts of a program will be incredibly valuable to our players and our staff. I know our defense will be prepared because of her work ethic and attention to detail."
Armendariz appeared in 200 games for the Cardinals program between 2019 and 2024, gradually becoming a steady veteran presence across various different positions including catcher, second and third base, and designated player. In her final two seasons with the team, she started and played in all 53 games and 58 games of each campaign respectively.
After her playing career came to a close, Armendariz joined the staff at Valparaiso where she served as a graduate assistant for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Working specifically in strength, agility, hitting, fielding, and catching, she would become instrumental in elevating the Beacons program, helping Valpo to back-to-back 20 win seasons for the first time in nearly a decade.
Prior to arriving at Ball State as a player, Armendariz posted an incredible high school career and graduated as one of the greatest players in the history of El Paso's Chapin High School. As of 2026, she is currently the Huskies all-time leader in doubles and RBIs, and is second in hits and runs scored, and remains top five in walks and home runs.
"I couldn't be more excited to add Ella and Jazmyne to complete my first staff here at Gardner-Webb," said Burns. "I have been fortunate enough to coach both of them, and to watch them lead their teams as captains. I've gotten to know them and their families personally, and I know the two of them will help elevate our program in many ways."
