MILLIGAN, Tenn. – On Thursday morning, Milligan University Athletics announced the hiring of the new leader of their softball program, Cassie Fortner.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Cassie Fortner to the Milligan University family as our new Head Softball Coach," said Milligan's Director of Athletics, Christian Pope. "Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Milligan Athletics, and we couldn't be happier to have her on board. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with an approachable nature, makes her the perfect addition to our program. We are eager to see the impact she'll have on our softball team moving forward."
Fortner began her coaching career at her alma mater, St. Andrews University, where she served as a full-time assistant coach starting in August 2022. During her time at St. Andrews, she worked extensively with infielders, outfielders, and hitters, helping to build a competitive and cohesive program.
In 2023, Fortner joined the coaching staff at Wayland Baptist University as Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach. She continued her work with infielders, outfielders, and hitters, while taking on the responsibility of developing the pitching staff. Under her leadership, WBU Softball made program history by finishing 5th in the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season in 2023–2024 and earning a 4th place finish in the 2024 conference tournament. The following year, the team advanced to a 3rd place finish in the 2025 conference tournament.
Fortner played a key role in individual player development at Wayland Baptist. She coached and developed an NCCAA First Team All-Region pitcher in 2024 and a Second Team All-SAC pitcher in 2025. One of her pitchers ranked 2nd in the conference in strikeouts and helped secure a statement 4-2 victory over nationally ranked Oklahoma City University.
A former collegiate standout herself, Fortner played five seasons at St. Andrews University, where she was the starting center fielder from 2017 to 2022. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education and used her fifth year of eligibility, granted due to COVID-19, to compete while beginning her Master of Education with a focus in Instructional Design and Curricular Supervision.
Fortner's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in faith, discipline, and servant leadership. As a Christian, she values the opportunity to mentor young women in a Christ-centered environment and is proud to lead a program at Milligan that prioritizes both spiritual growth and athletic success.
"I'm incredibly honored to join the Milligan softball program and step into this role with gratitude and purpose," Fortner declared. "It's a blessing to coach in a Christ-centered environment where faith, character, and hard work are at the heart of everything we do. I'm excited to pour into these student-athletes, not just as players, but as young women growing in their walk with Christ."
