Greenville, S.C. – Furman University, following the end of the Southern Conference softball season this past weekend, has made a change in leadership for the Paladin softball program, it was announced on Tuesday morning by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly.
 
"We appreciate everything Stacey Johnson-Whitfield has done for the Furman softball program," said Donnelly. "Stacey built a strong team culture and developed outstanding student-athletes for success after Furman during her four years as head coach. We wish Stacey and her family all the best in their future endeavors."
 
Johnson-Whitfield, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, led the Paladin program for the past four seasons compiling an 81-133 record. She guided the Paladins to 24 wins in 2024, the most by a Paladin squad since 2018, but Furman dipped to a 15-38 overall record and 5-16 SoCon mark this spring. Johnson-Whitfield's tenure at Furman was highlighted by victories over SEC foe Mississippi State, ACC foe Louisville, and a 4-3 triumph over nationally-ranked Clemson during the 2024 campaign. The Paladins produced 12 All-SoCon selections during the past four seasons while Riley Ludlam earned SoCon Player of the Year honors and Kiley Perry captured SoCon Freshman of the Year accolades in 2023.
 
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.