Gardner-Webb University Athletics

Assistant coach Kelli Johnson is entering her second season withthe Lady Bulldogs after wrapping up a standout career at WinthropUniversity. Johnson will serve as Gardner-Webb’s pitchingcoach.

The Edmonds, Wa., native graduated in 2005 with a degree inelementary education from Winthrop and was a Presidential Scholarfor three years. Johnson was also named to the Dean’s Listthree times and received the Robert Downing Jr. Award from Winthropfor being a model student athlete during her senior year.

During her time at Winthrop, Johnson racked up 10 Big SouthConference Player-of-the Week honors en route to becoming thesecond-most prolific wins and strikeout artist in theschool’s history.

Johnson piled up the accolades over her career in the circle,earning four All-Big South selections, being named to the Big SouthAll-Tournament Team all four years and Big South Rookie of the Yearduring her freshman season.

The highlight of Johnson’s career came during her juniorseason, when after hurling two perfect games in one week, Johnsonwas featured in Sports Illustrated.

Johnson is currently pursuing her master’s degree inelementary education from Gardner-Webb.