Panthers Softball Coach Meredith Smith Hires Assistant Coach

Knoxville, TN - Head Coach Meredith Smith has hired Jessica Stiffler as an Assistant Softball Coach for the softball team. 

Stiffler also serves as a Sports Tournament Director for Knox County Parks and Recreation. She hails from Knoxville, TN, and is a proud graduate of Karns High School, Class of 2007. During her high school career, Jessica was a four-year varsity letterman and was recognized with multiple awards, including All-District Tournament, All-Region MVP, and Golden Glove honors each year.

After high school, Jessica was recruited at the NCAA Division I level but chose to sign and play softball at Chattanooga State. She later continued her education at the Tennessee School of Beauty, where she obtained her cosmetology license. Jessica returned to Karns High School in 2014 as an Assistant Varsity Coach for the Lady Beavers before relocating to Pennsylvania.

"I am excited to add Jessica Stiffler to the Pellissippi State Softball staff."  Head Coach Meredith Smith said. "She adds a local knowledge of organizations and coaches that will give us an edge in recruiting. Her duties will include large responsibilities in hitting, slapping, and catching.  Her energy is infectious, and I believe she will contribute to the success of the program."

Jessica has been married to Shane Stiffler of Altoona, PA, for 12 years, and they have two children, Allie Jo, and Caleb, along with two dogs, Carter and Ellie Mae. She is also a big sister to three brothers, one of whom is a freshman on the PSCC baseball team. Jessica enjoys cheering on her kids at their athletic events and spending time outdoors with her family, especially deer hunting with her husband.

With over 12 years of coaching experience across all levels from youth to high school, Jessica has coached in four different states and held coaching positions at four different high schools. Most recently, she was the Head Varsity Coach for Altoona Area High School in Altoona, PA. She has also worked with All-American Collegiate Catchers, traveling across the U.S. to provide catching instruction to players of all ages.

Jessica partnered with Cathy Griffith of Sideline Cancer Athletics in Hollidaysburg, PA, to help start the Sideline Cancer Softball Organization alongside Pennsylvania native Ali Stinson. The organization's motto is to have an "I CAN attitude" and a "believe always spirit," encouraging athletes to "PLAY FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THE GAME!"