TROY, N.Y. — The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Taylor Gardner as the new head coach of the Engineers' softball program.
Gardner comes to RPI after serving as the head softball coach at Ursinus College since 2022, where she oversaw all aspects of the Centennial Conference program, including recruiting, student-athlete development, scheduling, fundraising, budget management, practice planning, and game strategy.
"Taylor understands what it means to pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition because she has lived that experience herself," said RPI Director of Athletics
Dr. Kristie Bowers. "Her background as a student-athlete at Middlebury, graduate work and coaching experience at Smith, and success as a head coach at Ursinus give her a deep appreciation for the ambitious students we have at RPI. She has already demonstrated an ability to build a championship-caliber program while developing young women as students, athletes, and leaders. Taylor is competitive, authentic, and deeply invested in her student-athletes, and I believe she is an exceptional fit for RPI and for where we want to take our softball program."
Gardner guided Ursinus to a breakthrough campaign in 2023, when the Bears captured the Centennial Conference regular-season championship, hosted the conference tournament, and finished as the league tournament runner-up. Her staff was subsequently recognized as the 2023 Centennial Conference Coaching Staff of the Year. From 2023 through 2025, Gardner coached five First Team All-Centennial selections, five Second Team honorees, three Honorable Mention selections, a Gold Glove recipient, a conference Player of the Year, and an All-American.
"I want to thank Dr. Bowers, the search committee, and the athletic department for the opportunity to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Softball program," said Gardner. "From the beginning, I was drawn to the drive of the student-athletes and RPI's tradition of excellence, both on the field and in the classroom. I'm excited to build on that tradition and create a team culture that competes with purpose, takes pride in doing things the right way, and represents RPI at the highest level."
Gardner's connection to Ursinus began before her promotion to head coach, serving as an assistant coach from 2018-20. In that role, she contributed to recruiting, scouting, practice planning, player development, and program operations while working closely with the infielders. She also served as interim head coach during the program's head coach's maternity leave. During her tenure, Ursinus returned to the Centennial Conference Tournament for the first time since 2012.
Gardner then spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Smith College, where her responsibilities included recruiting, game strategy, practice planning, administrative operations, and student-athlete development. She worked with all position groups, including developing pitching workouts and calling pitches during games, while also helping student-athletes manage the demands of academics and athletics. Gardner earned her master's degree in Exercise and Sports Studies from Smith in 2022.
A former collegiate student-athlete herself, Gardner played softball at Middlebury College, serving as team captain during the 2017-18 season. In addition to her responsibilities on the field, she helped organize team practices, fundraising efforts, community service initiatives, and team-building activities. Gardner was also selected to the NESCAC Spring All-Sportsmanship Team and participated in the NCAA Convention Immersion Program during her undergraduate career.
Gardner's background also includes extensive work in player development through individual pitching and hitting instruction, clinics, prospect camps, and mentoring opportunities for aspiring female coaches.
