Greenville, S.C. – Furman has named Stacey Johnson-Whitfield as its interim head softball coach, it was announced on Friday afternoon by Paladin athletics director Jason Donnelly.
 
"We are excited to retain Stacey Johnson-Whitfield as our interim head coach to provide continuity and leadership with our program," said Donnelly. "Stacey has impressed our department with her character, coaching ability and outstanding playing career. We look forward to supporting the continued success of Furman softball and growth of the program under Stacey's supervision."
 
Johnson-Whitfield takes over Furman softball from fourth-year head coach Wally King, who is no longer with the program.
 
"Furman Athletics appreciates Wally's service and leadership in support of our softball program and wish him and his family well in future endeavors," added Donnelly.
 
Johnson-Whitfield joined the Paladin program as an assistant coach for the 2021 season after serving as a private pitching instructor and assistant high school coach since 2005. Despite Furman being picked sixth in preseason polling of the Southern Conference's head coaches, the first-year assistant helped Furman (19-28 overall, 8-9 SoCon) finish just a half game out of third place in the league standings. Her pitching staff, which included two freshmen, improved its ERA by more than a run during SoCon play in the second half of the season, while hitters Mackense Greico and Riley Ludlam earned All-SoCon honors.
 
"I am very excited to be able to lead Furman softball into its next chapter," said Johnson-Whitfield. "Furman University is a special place with some very smart and athletic young women. I hope to bring a well-rounded experience full of trust, respect, competitiveness and family."
 
A four-year standout at the University of South Carolina from 2001-04, the Pennsylvania native helped the Gamecocks to four consecutive NCAA regional appearances and a pair of SEC East titles. She ranks among the school's all-time leaders with 485 strikeouts and 63 career victories, while earning two SEC Pitcher of the Week citations during her career in Columbia, S.C. Through her business, SJWFastpitch, Johnson-Whitfield has mentored pitchers who have gone on successful careers at Arkansas, Penn State, South Carolina, Louisville, Clemson, Rutgers, Tennessee, Furman and many more. 
 
A 2004 graduate of South Carolina, Johnson-Whitfield is married to former Gamecock football standout Travis Whitfield. The couple has two daughters, Vivian and Lilly.