Troy University Athletics
Troy Great Leanna Johnson Named Softball Assistant Coach
7/12/2023 3:16:00 PM | Softball
TROY, Ala. – Fresh off a record-breaking playing career at Troy, Leanna Johnson has been named an assistant coach for Troy Softball, head coach Eric Newell announced Wednesday. She is offically set to join the Troy Softball program in a coaching role on July 17.
Troy's all-time winningest pitcher in the circle, Johnson finished her five-year career as a Trojan with a 101-41 record to go along with a 1.98 ERA and 1,058 strikeouts in 890 innings of work. She is one of just 105 players in NCAA Division I history to top the 100-wins mark and one of 98 players with more than 1,000 strikeouts.
"This is a big-time hire for Troy Softball," Newell said. "Leanna had an incredible career at Troy, and we are thrilled to add her to our coaching staff. We are grateful to our administration for giving us the green light to move forward with the hire. Leanna loves Troy from top to bottom and is a perfect addition to our staff. She has a tremendous passion for the game, and I truly believe that her charismatic personality will help us cultivate, develop, and mentor several of our younger players."
The Brantley, Ala., native finished her career as the NCAA's active leader in wins, innings pitched, games started and appearances; the Division I leader in shutouts and complete games while ranking second in strikeouts. The 2019 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, Johnson earned All-Sun Belt honors in all four years the team was awarded during her career, including three first team honors in addition to earning three NFCA All-Region awards.
"I am excited to be able to stay at a place that I love so much and is home," Johnson said. "I am so thankful to Coach Newell, Coach Decker and Coach Shelnutt for this opportunity to begin my coaching career at Troy. Troy Athletics and the Wiregrass Community have supported and embraced me tremendously during my playing career, and there is nowhere else I'd rather start my professional journey than at Troy."
Johnson threw 35 shutouts over the course of her career, with no fewer than six in each of her five seasons, including seven in the shortened 2020 campaign. She tossed 200-plus innings in two different seasons and finished her career averaging 8.3 strikeouts per seven innings pitched.
Her career coincided with one of the best stretches of Troy Softball history, including Troy's first appearance in an NCAA Regional in 25 years when the Trojans earned an at-large berth in 2021.
Players Mentioned
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/ SoftballPlayer Postgame Press Conference (Megan Loftis, Esmee Ames) - ULM
Sunday, April 26
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (ULM Game Three)
Sunday, April 26
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (ULM Game Two)
Saturday, April 25
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (ULM Game One)
Friday, April 24