Gardner-Webb University Names Matt Burns as Head Softball Coach 

Rising Leader with Track Record of Player Development Tapped to Guide Runnin’ Bulldogs 

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Vice President and Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey has announced Matt Burns as the next head coach of the Gardner-Webb softball program. Burns arrives in Boiling Springs after spending the previous three seasons on staff at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. 

Fahey expressed enthusiasm about the hire and Burns’ potential to lead the program forward. “We are excited to welcome Matt to our Runnin’ Bulldogs family,” Fahey said. “Matt has proven himself at all levels of the game and we believe he’s the right person to take this program to the highest level. We look forward to seeing our student-athletes take big steps toward success both on the field and in the classroom under his leadership, helping to establish Gardner-Webb softball as a true contender.” 

During his time at Ball State, Burns served as an assistant and recruiting coordinator before being promoted to associate head coach ahead of the 2025 season. He shared his appreciation for the opportunity and his eagerness to join the Gardner-Webb community. “I’m incredibly grateful to President Nate Evans, Brendan Fahey, and Clare Alaimo for the opportunity to lead the Gardner-Webb softball program,” Burns said. “My family and I couldn’t be more excited to get to campus, become part of the community, and begin building something special. ‘Sko Dawgs!” 

At Ball State, Burns played a key role in the program’s development, particularly on the offensive side, where he worked closely with student-athletes and helped guide recruiting efforts. The Cardinals reached the MAC Tournament championship game in 2024 and followed with a third-place finish in 2025. 

The team showed consistent production at the plate during his tenure, ranking among conference leaders in several offensive categories across both seasons. Burns also mentored six All-MAC selections from 2023 through 2026, including a conference Player of the Year. 

Before joining Ball State, Burns spent nearly two years at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where he helped guide a program turnaround as recruiting coordinator and assistant coach. The Cougars made back-to-back CAA Tournament appearances following a challenging 2021 season, supported in part by a nationally recognized recruiting class. His work there also contributed to multiple all-conference honors, including a Rookie of the Year selection. 

Burns previously gained experience in the Big South in 2021. During his time at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., he supported player development across several positions and contributed to a competitive conference campaign that included multiple all-conference performers. 

Earlier in his career, Burns served on the coaching staff at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn., where he took on increasing leadership responsibilities, including serving as acting head coach during the 2020 season. He contributed to the program’s growth, particularly in offensive development, as Bucknell established new benchmarks and remained among the Patriot League’s top teams over multiple seasons. 

Burns began his collegiate coaching career at Skidmore College at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where he worked with hitters and catchers while contributing to recruiting efforts. His time there included the development of several all-conference players and an All-American honoree. 

He brings a broad background in athletics, including experience as both a player and coach in baseball. Burns was a four-year starter at Plattsburgh State in New York from 2006 to 2010 before moving into coaching. His baseball coaching career included stops at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, and in New York at SUNY New Paltz, Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, and SUNY Oneonta. 

A graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, Burns earned a combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science for Teachers in 2011. He will arrive at Gardner-Webb with his wife, Danielle, and their children, Derek and Gabriella. 

For updates and more news on the Runnin’ Bulldogs, visit gwusports.com, or follow @gwusports on Instagram, X and Facebook. 

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.