Glidewell Named New Head Coach of TU Softball Program

UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor University announced on Monday that Grace Glidewell had been named the new head coach for the TU softball program and is set to begin her tenure with the Trojans immediately.

"It is with a lot of excitement that we welcome Grace to Taylor University to serve as our head softball coach," stated TU Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Natalie Young. "Grace brings an incredible list of accomplishments as a former NCAA Division-I student-athlete, as well as a family history of coaching softball at the collegiate level. Even more exciting is her passion and desire to build a championship level softball program at a school that prioritizes discipling and developing young women. We look forward to her and her husband Matt joining us in Upland."

Glidewell spent the 2024-2025 season as an assistant coach at NAIA institution, Carolina University, after completing a decorated playing career that included time at North Carolina State, UNC Charlotte and Carolina.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head softball coach at Taylor University," stated Glidewell. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a strong connection to Taylor's unwavering commitment to excellence in all areas and its vibrant Christian community. My vision for this program is rooted in the powerful truth of Ephesians 3:20, that God is able to do 'exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.' With His power at work within us, and through the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire Taylor community, we will continue to grow this program to reach its full potential. Not only will we achieve our goals on the field, but we will also develop young women of strong character who will make a positive impact in the world and, most importantly, an eternal Kingdom impact. I cannot wait to get started and contribute to the rich legacy of Taylor University Athletics."

Prior to beginning her coaching career at Carolina, Glidewell played to first-team all-region honors as a graduate-senior at Carolina after leading the NCCAA with 14 home runs. Glidewell finished her 2024 season with a .391 average, an .899 slugging percentage and 35 extra-base hits.

Glidewell spent a red-shirt season and an injury-shortened campaign with NC State to begin her collegiate career, before serving as a utility player with UNC Charlotte during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

In addition to her one year as an assistant at Carolina where she helped the Bruins to a 26-18 clip, Glidewell has offered individual instructional lessons since 2020 and worked with Tread Athletics as a Strength and Conditioning Coach from 2021 through 2023.

Glidewell comes from a coaching family and has familiarity with Taylor and the Crossroads League, as her parents Jay and Heather Johnson led the softball program at Grace College from 2010 through 2016.

Glidewell earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from UNC Charlotte in 2023 and a master's in business administration from Carolina in 2025.

Glidewell was recently married to her husband, Matt, who will serve as an assistant coach and strength coordinator for the Taylor softball program.