CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah University softball program has announced a key promotion, elevating Assistant Coach Taylor McQuillin to Associate Head Coach. The move recognizes McQuillin's profound impact on the Thunderbirds' pitching staff, recruiting efforts, and overall team culture since joining the program.
A decorated athlete with a championship pedigree, McQuillin has brought elite-level experience to SUU, helping fuel the program's most successful season in a decade. Under her guidance, the Thunderbirds saw a dramatic improvement in the circle, cutting their ERA nearly in half, and made significant strides offensively, including doubling their home run total and earning the No. 3 seed in the WAC Tournament.
"Taylor's rise to Associate Head Coach is a testament to her championship mindset and elite-level experience," said Head Coach Don Don Williams. "She brings a wealth of international, Division I, and professional expertise, having excelled at Arizona, competed for Team Mexico in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and played professionally in the NPF, Japan's Diamond League, and Athletes Unlimited Softball League."
"Since joining our staff, Taylor has demanded excellence every single day, particularly in the bullpen, but perhaps more importantly, in the way our team approaches competition," Williams continued. "Her relentless drive and high standards directly fueled our improved performance last season. I'm thrilled to elevate her to Associate Head Coach as she continues shaping our program's mentality and performance at the highest level."
McQuillin joined the Thunderbirds, continuing an impressive career in both playing and coaching. A standout pitcher at the University of Arizona, she earned NFCA First Team All-American honors in 2019, was a three-time All-Region selection, and a four-time All-PAC-12 honoree. In 2018, she led the nation in shutouts with 15 and was a USA Softball Player of the Year Top-25 finalist in 2017.
Professionally, McQuillin has consistently ranked among the top pitchers in Athletes Unlimited Softball and is currently competing with the AUSL Bandits. She also boasts international experience at multiple levels.
McQuillin's coaching journey began at her alma mater, where she helped lead the Arizona Wildcats to a 41-15 record and a Women's College World Series appearance as a graduate assistant. Since arriving at SUU, her impact has been immediate and transformational.
As she steps into this new role, McQuillin remains committed to building on the program's momentum.
"I'm honored to take this next step with a team and staff that believes in pushing boundaries and doing things the right way," McQuillin said. "We're just getting started at Southern Utah, and I'm excited to help lead this group as we continue raising our standard."
With Taylor McQuillin now serving as Associate Head Coach, the Thunderbirds are poised for another leap forward in 2025-26.
On Deck
Coach Don Don Williams is well into the offseason, looking to reload and build off this season's success. Don't miss your chance to see Assistant Coach Taylor McQuillin as she competes with the AUSL Bandits this summer. For More details, go to theausl.com.
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