McKinney comes to UNCG following a one-year stint with NC State as an assistant.

“I am thrilled to add a familiar face to our coaching staff in Brittany McKinney,” said Breneman. “Having the opportunity to coach Brittany for three years I witnessed her ability to lead and her competitive passion for the game of softball. McKinney's experience as a catcher and playing at the professional level will be a great addition to the team.  It will be a pleasure to have her here with me to further develop our program.”

In between coaching, McKinney is currently playing her second season for the Carolina Diamonds of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league. In 2011, McKinney posted solid numbers, leading the squad in batting average (.298) and RBI (11) as a rookie. In addition, she was one of two members of the team to be named to the NPF all-star squad.

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Coach Breneman and become a part of the Spartan family,” said McKinney.  “I am eager to begin this season and help propel UNCG to the top of the Southern Conference.”

Prior to her professional career, McKinney notched a successful college career at North Carolina, starting all four years at catcher and in the DH slot for the Tar Heels. As a sophomore in 2009, she earned second team All-ACC honors after earning a .305 batting average and throwing out 19 of 27 base stealers from behind the plate.

McKinney excelled in the classroom as well, earning a degree in communications and a minor in coaching in the spring of 2011. She was named to the All-ACC Softball Academic Team three times, and earned Dean's List recognition four semesters throughout her career. As a senior, McKinney received the prestigious UNC Athletic Director's scholar athlete award.