Janelle Higgins named assistant softball coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore and head coach Aaron Robinson are thrilled to announce the addition of Janelle Higgins as an assistant coach to the softball program this season. Higgins brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Division I level, enhancing her impact on collegiate softball.
Coach Higgins, the esteemed head softball coach at North Platte Community College (NPCC), arrives at UMES with a distinguished record of excellence both on and off the field. Under her leadership, the North Platte Knights captured the Region IX Division II championships in 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2021, with Higgins earning Region IX Division II Coach of the Year honors each of those years. Her exceptional leadership was also recognized with the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards in 2012 and 2017, and she was named Co-Coach of the Year in 2016. Currently, Higgins serves as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion region ambassador for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
Her tenure at NPCC has been marked by remarkable achievements, including NCCAC championships in 2012 and 2017, co-conference championships in 2016, and NCCAC runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2015. Higgins has nurtured an impressive roster of athletes, with 39 Nebraska Community College All-Region IX athletes, 57 All-Region IX academic athletes, and numerous accolades, including NJCAA Academic Achievement awards, NFCA All-American Scholar honors, and NFCA All-Region Midwest recognitions.
Before her impactful role at NPCC, Higgins contributed her expertise at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana, where she served as the head softball coach, assistant basketball coach, faculty member, and director of Campus Corps. Under her leadership, the Lady Buccaneers achieved notable success, including a second-place finish in the Mon-Dak Conference and a fourth-place finish in the regional tournament. Higgins also held coaching positions at Southwestern Community College and Saydel High School, where she played a key role in leading her teams to state tournament appearances and high rankings.
Higgins holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Science from Ohio University. Her commitment to education and coaching is matched by her dedication to community service. She actively participates in numerous volunteer roles, including serving on various boards and committees, mentoring youth, and organizing charitable events. Her team's community involvement is extensive, ranging from supporting local events and charitable causes to hands-on projects like rebuilding city sports fields and hosting fundraisers.
A passionate advocate for making a positive impact, Higgins' leadership extends beyond the softball field. Her efforts significantly contribute to the welfare of her community, embodying her belief that sports and service go hand in hand.