CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina softball head coach Kelley Green announced the hiring of Michelle Gardner as associate head coach. Gardner, who will work with the pitching staff, will begin her role immediately for the Chanticleers ahead of the 2023 season.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Gardner to our program and feel so fortunate to be bringing in someone with a vast amount of knowledge and experience," Green said. "Our student-athletes will love the energy she brings every day and I think she's the perfect fit to help elevate our program to the next level in the Sun Belt and beyond."
 
Most recently, Gardner served as the pitching coach for the Israel National Team.

She comes to Conway after spending close to 10 years at Indiana University as the head coach of the Hoosiers softball program, a position she held from 2008-17. During her time in Bloomington, Ind., Gardner eclipsed 380 career wins, posted a top 25 national ranking, and also coached the 2011 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. 
 
"I am beyond excited to join the staff at Coastal Carolina and am looking forward to being back in the bullpen," Gardner stated. "I want to thank Coach Green and the administration for the opportunity to be a part of Teal Nation."

Prior to her time at Indiana, Gardner saw stops at the University of Nevada (head coach), Arizona State University (assistant coach), Florida State University (assistant coach), and Bowling Green State University (assistant coach). 

Named the 2008 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year at the University of Nevada, she also picked up the 2008 NFCA West Region Staff of the Year award. Gardner's time in Reno, Nev., saw the Wolfpack reach the NCAA Regionals twice (2006 and 2008) and earn two WAC Championships (2006 and 2008). 
 
A 1988 graduate of the University of Michigan, Gardner played under Hall of Fame coach Carol Hutchins, where she was named an ASA All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, and was a first-team all-region selection. Notably, she also pitched in three Olympic Festivals.
 
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