Ashliegh McLean, Head Softball Coach at University of West Florida

Ashliegh McLean was appointed head coach of the University of West Florida (UWF) softball program in May 2018, after serving four years as an assistant coach. Under her leadership, UWF has consistently excelled in the highly competitive Gulf South Conference (GSC), solidifying McLean’s reputation as a successful and inspiring head coach.

McLean’s tenure began with an impressive 54-11 record in 2019, when she guided UWF to a GSC Championship, a South Region Title, and a trip to the NCAA Championships. The Argonauts held the No. 1 ranking in the country for four weeks that season and finished with a 1-seed in the South Region. For her outstanding achievements, McLean was named the GSC Coach of the Year, leading three players—Rhiannon Sassman, Teala Howard, and Kelsey Sweatt—to All-American honors. This remarkable season saw program records in fielding percentage (.977) and the most wins (54) since 2005.

Throughout McLean’s head coaching career, UWF has consistently reached high benchmarks:

• In 2021, she reached her 100th career win and led the team to a 33-16 record, setting new program records in slugging percentage (.494) and home runs (51).
• The Argonauts’ 2022 season was another 30-win success, marking the program’s sixth consecutive 30-win full season. Teala Howard earned GSC Player of the Year and South Region Player of the Year accolades, adding to her multiple All-American honors, while Kelsey Sweatt and Erin Moon received All-GSC awards.

McLean's coaching philosophy has driven UWF’s powerful offensive and defensive gameplay, leading the team to set records and achieve milestones in home runs, fielding, and runs per game. Her leadership has been integral to developing top-tier players, like Teala Howard and Kelsey Sweatt, who completed their careers with UWF in the top ranks of program history in several key categories.

Before her head coaching role, McLean contributed significantly to UWF's pitching success as an assistant coach. From 2016-18, UWF pitchers ranked among the top three in the GSC in ERA, opponent batting average, and shutouts. McLean first joined the UWF staff after competing as a pitcher and utility player for the Argonauts from 2011-2012, following standout seasons at North Central Texas College and McLennan Community College.

McLean, a native of McKinney, Texas, holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physical Education from UWF. Her accomplishments continue to make her one of the most respected coaches in the Gulf South Conference, consistently elevating the UWF softball program and fostering a legacy of excellence.

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