Marlee Wilson Adds VanderBor-Fleetwood, Shipman, Ahead of 2024 Campaign

The following release information was issued by Western Michigan and information and photo courtesy of Western Michigan…

KALAMAZOO, Mich. –  Western Michigan softball head coach Marlee Wilson announced the official hiring of Morgan VanderBor-Fleetwood and Bill Shipman.

VanderBor-Fleetwood was hired to the WMU softball program as an assistant coach in July of 2022. This season coach VanderBor-Fleetwood will serve as the program’s primary pitching coach and Wilson’s head assistant. A native of Portage, VanderBor-Fleetwood graduated from WMU’s Haworth College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Management, Marketing and General Business in 2018.

VanderBor-Fleetwood joined coach Wilson’s staff after spending two years as an assistant and the six seasons as the head coach with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. As an assistant, she primarily focused on recruiting and coordinating team practices. Later, she was promoted and served as the team’s head coach from July 2016 to July 2022.

VanderBor-Fleetwood played at KVCC from 2012-14, helping the Cougars to back-to-back NJCAA National Tournament appearances. In her career, she batted .392, posted a .467 on-base percentage, blasted 10 home runs, collected 18 doubles, and drove in 49 runs. As a freshman, she registered a 2.43 ERA. During her coaching tenure with the Cougars, the team posted an overall record of 139-81 (.632), a 112-40 (.737) mark in conference play, made four NJCAA Regional appearances, had a regional runner-up finish and twice finished as the state runner-up. Under her guidance, the team posted an overall ERA of 3.88 and racked up 40 shutouts.

“I am extremely thankful to have Morgan continue this journey with our program. Her head coaching experience makes her the perfect leader of the pitchers and catchers. She goes above and beyond for the student-athletes and works to give them the best experience possible,” explained Wilson

In the 2018 season, VanderBor-Fleetwood was named the Western Conference Coach of the Year. During that season, VanderBor-Fleetwood had eight All-Region selections, four of which were pitchers, and boasted a pair of Region Players of the Year. In total, KVCC saw 22 all-conference honorees and 21 honorable mention all-conference performers during VanderBor-Fleetwood’s tenure. The softball program was also the campus’ team GPA leader on five occasions.

During the 2023 season, with the help of VanderBor-Fleetwood’s guidance the pitching staff lowered their ERA to the lowest it has been since 2019.

Bill Shipman, coach Wilson’s newest assistant, provides a wealth of experience, an extensive management background, and a coaching history that makes him a valuable asset to the WMU softball program.

Shipman’s impressive coaching background includes a history of coaching high school baseball, basketball, and travel softball. His coaching expertise has not only resulted in athletic excellence, but he has also advanced a countless number of athletes to the NCAA Division 1 level securing college scholarships.

“We are excited to add Bill to our coaching staff. He brings diversity to the staff and fills in areas that we are looking to improve. His high-level coaching experience and recruiting background adds depth to our current and future program,” noted Wilson.

At the high school level, Shipman has captured multiple League and Division Championships as a coach through his combination of scouting and the development of his programs.

In the world of softball, Shipman’s involvement in travel ball accolades includes securing an Amateur Softball Association Championship, achieving 3rd Place in ASA Gold, and clinching 3rd Place in Premier Girls Fastpitch nationals. His leadership and coaching abilities have played a pivotal role in helping young athletes excel at the highest levels of competition.

Shipman graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2022. Shipman’s academic achievements underscore his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics at  Southern New Hampshire University where he aims to merge his extensive business acumen and analytical prowess with his lifelong passion for coaching and sports.

With his analytical, coaching expertise, Shipman is poised to contribute significantly to the continued success of the Western Michigan University softball program.

Bill is married to his wife Lorri, and has four children Amanda, Maddi, Billy, and Ally. He also has five grandchildren.

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