Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – Head Illinois State softball coach Melinda Fischer announced the addition of Megan Warner to her staff as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator Thursday. Warner is no stranger to the Redbird softball program after a four-year pitching career followed by a two-year stint as a graduate assistant manager.
“I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and excited to stay with the Redbird Family,” Warner said. “It is an honor to be able to start my coaching career in such a successful program and great institution. I would like to thank Melinda Fischer and (Deputy Director of Athletics) Leanna Bordner for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started, and I am excited about taking the pitching staff to the next level.”
After contributing to the program for six seasons as a student-athlete and graduate assistant manager, Fischer is confident Warner will make a smooth transition into her new role, as she knows the program and the expectations.
“Having Megan join the staff is a really great transition for our program to take our pitchers into the next era,” Fischer said. “Megan was coached by two successful pitching coaches, Bill Kennedy and Shannon Nicholson, and she also had the opportunity as a graduate assistant manager to watch a lot of how Shannon presented her techniques and worked to improve each pitcher’s day-to-day success over the past two seasons. That opportunity allowed Megan to learn the position by watching and listening, and with her familiarity with our players, I am confident Megan will continue the growth of the pitching staff.”
Warner understands success, because she had her own in the circle as a Redbird. She was a four-year letterwinner for Illinois State, a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and led the Redbirds to three-straight NCAA Regional appearances, including one Regional title game. Warner posted a 45-26 career-record, with a 2.86 ERA in 108 appearances and 76 starts. She ranks top-10 in all-time wins (eighth), appearances (fifth) and games started (sixth). Like she did on the field, Warner also excelled academically and represented the epitome of a student-athlete. Warner became just the 21st player in league history to earn MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team honors in all three years of eligibility, and was a four-time NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) All-American Scholar-Athlete.
During her time as a graduate student manager, Warner coordinated team travel, meals and monitored financial budgets. She also organized Redbird softball camps and clinics, while overseeing fundraising efforts for the program. Warner was responsible for equipment inventory, alumni relations and designed Redbird Weekly Updates for the student-athletes. In addition, Warner assisted with daily practices, games and administrative operations.
“Megan is a bright young professional who will bring some innovative ideas to our program,” Fischer added. “She has a strong work ethic and great organizational skills and will work tirelessly in the recruiting coordinator position. I am extremely happy that she will be joining our staff.”
Warner has also served as a pitching instructor for the last four years in the Bloomington-Normal and Geneseo, Illinois areas. She is an ASA certified coach and served as an assistant for the BNGSA Aces 14U team.
