Jennifer Whitley enters her first season as the Knights[apos] assistant coach and will serve as the softball squad[apos]s recruiting coordinator and will work specifically with the Knights[apos] catchers and outfielders.
[quote]I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be a Knight and play for coach Gillispie when this program was just beginning and she has been able to take this program to higher levels every year,[quote] Whitley said. [quote]I am very blessed to have the chance to be a part of that all over again, and continue the success of the Knights.[quote]
Prior to her appointment at UCF, Whitley spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Tallahassee Community College, where she helped the Eagles win the 2008 NJCAA District H Tournament and earn a berth in the NJCAA Division I Fast Pitch Championships. Under Whitley[apos]s guidance, TCC finished as one of the final 12 teams in contention for the national title and posted a 29-24 record, its best finish in the last 14 years.
Whitley[apos]s primary responsibilities at TCC included working with the Eagles[apos] catchers and infielders.
This will not serve as her first stint as a coach at UCF. Whitley worked as the Knights[apos] student assistant coach from 2004-05 under Luers-Gillispie, assisting in day-to-day practice duties, while also serving as the team[apos]s manager.
Whitley joined the UCF softball team in 2003, following a two-year stint at TCC. As a third-baseman and catcher for the Knights, Whitley posted a .250 career batting average and still ranks in the top-10 on the program[apos]s all-time record with 56 RBI.
Originally from Tallahassee, Fla., Whitley earned her bachelor[apos]s of arts degree in interpersonal communications from UCF in 2005. She is currently pursuing a master[apos]s degree in sports administration at Florida State.