North Carolina State University Athletics
Ellis To Coach Wolfpack Softball Hurlers
8/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Leigh Ann Ellis joined the Wolfpack softball program on Aug. 1, 2006, as the red and white's new pitching coach. Ellis comes to NC State following a two-year stint in the same position at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In her first season in Chicago, Ellis helped coach the Flames to a 40-27 record and the regular season title in the Horizon League. In 2006, UIC repeated as regular season champions.
"I have known Leigh Ann for years, but timing has never allowed for us to work together," said head softball coach Lisa Navas. "Fortunately, things happen for a reason. We are excited to have Leigh Ann join our program and begin to work with our pitchers. Her experience in collegiate and international play is only going to help our pitchers perform at a higher level."
"I am very excited to join the Wolfpack softball program," said Ellis. "In only three years, NC State has won a conference championship and positioned itself as a premier program in the ACC. I look forward to working with an already solid pitching corps, as well as the reigning ACC Coach of the Year. It's an honor to join such a highly-respected staff."
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Ellis was a star hurler for the Bulls, collecting 77 wins and 633 strikeouts in her final two seasons. As a senior, she set the school record for victories with 43, marking the third-best total in the country. Ellis received a bachelor of art degree in May of 2004.
A finalist for 2004 National Collegiate Player of the Year and Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America honoree, she twice garnered All-Conference USA First Team accolades during her collegiate tenure and took home C-USA Pitcher of the Year honors in 2004.
Ellis took the circle for the New England Riptide of the Nation Pro Fastpitch League for two years. She also played on softball's premier stage, competing with both the USA National and USA Elite teams in overseas competition. Her impressive accolades in international play will no doubt be an asset to both the Wolfpack coaching staff and roster.
In addition to her work on the field, Ellis has instructed at numerous premier softball clinics and camps. As an undergraduate at USF, she served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, while representing the Bulls at the NCAA Leadership conference.
A native of Barboursville, W.Va., Ellis resides in Raleigh, N.C.
"I have known Leigh Ann for years, but timing has never allowed for us to work together," said head softball coach Lisa Navas. "Fortunately, things happen for a reason. We are excited to have Leigh Ann join our program and begin to work with our pitchers. Her experience in collegiate and international play is only going to help our pitchers perform at a higher level."
"I am very excited to join the Wolfpack softball program," said Ellis. "In only three years, NC State has won a conference championship and positioned itself as a premier program in the ACC. I look forward to working with an already solid pitching corps, as well as the reigning ACC Coach of the Year. It's an honor to join such a highly-respected staff."
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Ellis was a star hurler for the Bulls, collecting 77 wins and 633 strikeouts in her final two seasons. As a senior, she set the school record for victories with 43, marking the third-best total in the country. Ellis received a bachelor of art degree in May of 2004.
A finalist for 2004 National Collegiate Player of the Year and Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America honoree, she twice garnered All-Conference USA First Team accolades during her collegiate tenure and took home C-USA Pitcher of the Year honors in 2004.
Ellis took the circle for the New England Riptide of the Nation Pro Fastpitch League for two years. She also played on softball's premier stage, competing with both the USA National and USA Elite teams in overseas competition. Her impressive accolades in international play will no doubt be an asset to both the Wolfpack coaching staff and roster.
In addition to her work on the field, Ellis has instructed at numerous premier softball clinics and camps. As an undergraduate at USF, she served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, while representing the Bulls at the NCAA Leadership conference.
A native of Barboursville, W.Va., Ellis resides in Raleigh, N.C.
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