Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
On July 15th, 2026, Ella Whitney was announced as the next assistant coach for the Gardner-Webb softball program.
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 Gardner-Webb head coach Matt 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.
