Head Coach - Whitney Hartman

Office: 330-471-8294

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Whitney Hartman began her first season as the head coach of the Malone University softball team in 2010, leading the Pioneers to a 10-16 overall record.  After guiding Malone to a berth in the American Mideast Conference Postseason Tournament for the first time since 2006, she was named the 2010 NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) East Region Co-Coach of the Year.  Hartman, of Cuyahoga Falls, is a 2009 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky and was a three-year letter winner on the Patriot softball team.

Hartman began her collegiate softball playing career at Cedarville University where, as a freshman in 2005, she started every contest at first base for the Yellow Jackets.  Upon transferring to Cumberlands prior to her sophomore year, she immediately entered the lineup at first base and remained as a starter for the Patriots over the next three seasons.  She was tabbed Mid-South Conference Honorable Mention in 2008 following a strong senior campaign in which she batted .292.

Hartman also garnered Ohio All-State Honorable Mention accolades after an outstanding senior season at Franklin High School in Franklin, Ohio and was excited to take over the reins of the Pioneer softball program upon being hired in the fall of 2009.  “I’m honored to join the Malone University Athletics staff as the softball head coach,” said Hartman.  “Serving Christ and softball are two of my greatest passions in life, and what better way to serve Him; to be a leader and a role model at an institution like Malone.  I’ve been blessed with a background in college sports where I quickly learned that winning is fun, but it means much more to give God all the glory.  I’m eager to start a fresh season of softball, to build character in my student-athletes, and to put Malone’s athletic vision into action.  Many thanks to Athletic Director, Charlie Grimes, for believing in me and providing this opportunity to represent Malone softball.”

Grimes was as equally eager to add Hartman to Malone’s athletics department.  “Coach Hartman will begin a new and exciting phase in the history of our softball program,” commented Grimes. “Her enthusiasm and drive for the sport, as well as her strong desire and commitment to using softball to mentor young women makes her a great addition to the Malone staff.”

Assistant Coach - Tara Culpepper

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Tara Culpepper begins her first year as an assistant on the Malone softball coaching staff in 2010-11.  Tara was a four-year starter at second base on the Cedarville University softball team from 2002-2005.  She started 170 games for the Yellow Jackets and holds the Cedarville school records for most sacrifice bunts in a game (4), season (23), and career (50).  As a senior in 2005, Tara served as a team captain and was voted to the NCCAA All-Midwest Region Team.

She arrived at Cedarville after an accomplished high school career at Grinnell High School in Grinnell, Iowa.  A four-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection, Tara helped the Tigers make three appearances at the state tournament and was twice named to the All-Tournament Team at the event.

Tara has served as the junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant on the Grinnell staff.  She has also coached the Grinnell 12 and under and 14 and under travel ball summer league teams. 

Tara, her husband, Jason, and their children, Tate and Shae, reside in Jackson Township.

Graduate Assistant - Katie Woolf

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Katie Woolf will serve as the graduate assistant coach for the 2010-11 Malone University softball team.  Katie is a recent graduate of Marietta College, having earned cum laude with a BFA in Graphic Design. She attended Louisville High School and currently lives in Louisville.

She lettered and played all four years at Marietta and received conference and region awards. She was also involved in various campus activities including Campus Crusade For Christ, Kappa Pi, Conduct Board, and Athletics & Life.  Katie also works with the 16U Maddogs team and organization.