Paige Whittington joined the University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball program as a graduate assistant coach in 2026 after completing one of the most decorated playing careers in Bluefield State University history.
Whittington arrives in Princess Anne following a standout senior season in which she was named the 2026 CIAA Player of the Year, First Team All-CIAA, and an NFCA Division II Atlantic Region First Team selection. She helped lead Bluefield State to the most successful season in program history, as the Big Blue set a school record for wins, earned their first CIAA Tournament appearance, and captured the program's first undefeated home record.
One of the premier slap hitters in Division II softball, Whittington ranked among the nation's leaders in both batting average and stolen bases. During her senior campaign, she hit .461 with 71 hits, 14 doubles, four triples, and 52 stolen bases while serving as the catalyst atop the Bluefield State lineup. Throughout her collegiate career, she compiled a .446 batting average with 195 hits, 150 runs scored, and 125 stolen bases, establishing herself as one of the greatest players in program history.
A native of Hagerstown, Maryland, Whittington was coached by current UMES head coach Chelsea Holiday during her time at Bluefield State. She now transitions into coaching, where she will work closely with the Hawks' hitters and baserunners while helping develop the next generation of student-athletes.
