Arizona softball names former Arkansas star Danielle Gibson Whorton as hitting coach

Arizona on Tuesday added Danielle Gibson Whorton to its coaching staff. Gibson Whorton comes to Tucson after one season at Cal. She spent the previous two seasons at Arkansas, where she starred as a player from 2019-22.

"Danielle has distinguished herself at every level of the game,” UA head coach Caitlin Lowe said in a news release. “She brings an exceptional understanding of offensive development, a relentless work ethic and a genuine passion for mentoring student-athletes. Our hitters will benefit tremendously from her experience, energy and competitive mindset, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the Wildcat family."

Gibson Whorton succeeds Amber Freeman, who joined the Texas staff earlier in the offseason.

Freeman played at Arizona State, which is where Gibson Whorton started her college playing career. The Murrieta, California, product earned All-Pac-12 honors as a freshman before transferring to Arkansas.

Gibson Whorton set multiple single-season and career records during her time as a Razorback, including becoming the program’s all-time leader in RBIs and total bases.

Gibson Whorton began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Georgia in 2023. The Bulldogs ranked in the top 15 nationally in multiple offensive categories that season.

During Gibson Whorton’s two seasons as an assistant at Arkansas, the Razorbacks earned national seeds both years and saw four players become NFCA All-Americans.

While coaching at Georgia, Arkansas and Cal, Gibson Whorton played professional softball in what’s now known as the AUSL. Last July, the Carolina Blaze traded Gibson Whorton to the Chicago Bandits for former UA two-way standout Devyn Netz.