Valpo softball head coach Meaggan Pettipiece announced today the hiring of Laney Jones as an assistant coach. Jones will be in charge of working with the Beacons’ pitching staff.

“We are excited to welcome Laney Jones to our coaching staff here at Valpo as our pitching coach,” Pettpiece said. “She brings an enthusiasm and a love for the game in every aspect. I am honored to be able to work with Laney as we work to develop our program and take it to the next level. Her experience as a player at Marshall and in her coaching opportunities has led her to the Valpo program, and we are all happy to have her here with us.”

Jones comes to Valpo after spending last season as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. Working with the Falcons’ pitchers, Jones helped lower the staff ERA by over a full run from the previous season.

“I am beyond excited to join the Valpo softball staff alongside coach Meaggan,” Jones said. “We have an exciting vision in place for this year’s team and our teams to come! Joining the Valpo softball staff has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I am excited to work with Meaggan generating a new culture and a winning attitude for the softball program while sharing my experiences and knowledge of the game with the Valpo Beacons!”

Jones finished up her collegiate career at Marshall University, where she pitched her final two seasons. In the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Jones ranked sixth nationally with four saves, tying the Herds’ single-season record. As a senior in 2021, she posted a 5-2 record, pitched three shutouts and was twice named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week.

Jones pitched two years (2018, 2019) at Ashland University prior to transferring to Marshall. She won 21 games over her two seasons with the Eagles and was a Second Team All-GLIAC selection in 2019.

In addition to her work as pitching coach last season at Notre Dame College, Jones has given private pitching lessons and worked clinics for a number of years. She graduated from Marshall with a bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2021 and earned a master’s degree in business administration and management from Notre Dame College in 2022.