The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has announced the hiring of three new coaches for its softball program: Paige Whittington, Tre Hobbs, and Alexis Shadowens. Under head coach Chelsea Holiday, this inaugural coaching staff is geared towards developing a high-performing culture focused on student-athlete accountability. Whittington, a decorated player known for her slap-hitting, and Hobbs, a seasoned coach with a successful turnaround at Mississippi Delta, join Shadowens, who has experience in both coaching and managing athletic operations. Collectively, they aim to enhance the Hawks' performance on and off the field during the upcoming 2026-27 season.

By the Numbers
  • Paige Whittington was the 2026 CIAA Player of the Year, with a .461 batting average and 52 stolen bases.
  • Tre Hobbs led a team at Mississippi Delta Community College to a record number of wins in a single season (2025) along with a cumulative team GPA above 3.3.
State of Play
  • The new coaching staff aims to implement strategies that enhance player development and team performance.
  • All three coaches bring diverse experiences, from championship-level playing to administrative operations, to strengthen UMES softball.
What's Next

The coaching staff is expected to start working immediately on recruiting efforts and developing training programs as they prepare for the upcoming season. Their experiences and skills will contribute to shaping the team's performance and culture ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Bottom Line

The integration of Whittington, Hobbs, and Shadowens represents a strategic move to build a successful future for UMES softball, emphasizing a blend of experience, collegiate rigor, and a commitment to developing young athletes.