Michelle Gardner

Associate Head Coach

Michelle Gardner was hired as the associate head coach for the Coastal Carolina softball team in September 2022. Gardner, who will work with the pitching staff, brings years of head coaching experience to the Chanticleers' softball program.

Prior to joining the Coastal staff, Gardner served as the pitching coach for the Israel National Team.

Gardner came 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.

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 1989 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.

Gardner is married to William "Gard" Gardner and they have three children, Lucas, Jilliyn, and Lydia.