Meet Troy softball's new pitching coach

Over the summer, Troy softball introduced Elizabeth Hightower as the new pitching coach for the program. Hightower joins the Trojans after two years as the pitching development coordinator at Florida Atlantic and a storied playing career, both in college at Florida and professionally with the Florida Vibe. 

“There’s not an aspect I don’t love about Troy,” Hightower said. “Everyone is so respectful and bought in, and it’s very peaceful and calming to go from a fast-paced city to a place that’s more like my hometown.” 

Hightower – a Monticello, Florida, native – said a unique connection brought her to Troy. She grew up with Troy assistant coach Mackenzie Puckett, who joined the coaching staff last season. 

Brady Fitch photo

Troy pitcher Mya Holt returns for her sophomore season.

“Coach Puckett and I were teammates when we were really young and played together until we were 18 and went off to college,” Hightower said. “We were super close growing up, and our dads are best friends.” 

Prior to joining the Trojans, Hightower worked on the Owls staff as Florida Atlantic earned two NCAA Regional berths in 2024 and 2025. She worked with multiple All-American and all-conference pitchers during her time in Boca Raton. 

“I was super blessed to be mentored by the staff at Florida Atlantic,” Hightower said. “I feel like I learned so many people skills, life skills and how to talk to different personality types. 

“When you’re in college, you’re only used to one coaching type. My experience in college and my experience at Florida Atlantic were very different, but not in a bad way at all.” 

In college, Hightower played under Tim Walton, who earned his 1,000th win with the Gators last season. She attributed a lot of who she is as a person to the renowned coach. 

“The person that I was going into Florida is not who I am today, and I get emotional talking about it because that coaching staff at Florida meant so much to me,” Hightower said. “[Walton] is a legendary coach who just instills professionalism.” 

Hightower, who finished her college career with a sparkling 3.16 ERA over 561 innings, said her time as a Gator helped cement her softball knowledge and give her direction as a coach. 

“[Walton] has a way of breaking down the game to make it seem simpler than it is, and he’s so smart in what he does,” Hightower said. “Also, my pitching coach Mike Bosch gave me the same time as a freshman that he gave the senior All-American. 

“That’s something I bring to the table here at Troy, making every single person feel like they’re important, no matter what their role is.” 

During her playing career, Hightower was a part of two Women’s College World Series teams and twirled a no-hitter in the 2021 Regional Championship. She said those postseason experiences, along with her Regional appearances at FAU, gave her a new perspective. 

“Being at Florida, going to Regionals every year is the standard,” Hightower said. “Working with Florida Atlantic, it was huge seeing the grind that goes into it – it really teaches you to enjoy the moment. 

“The biggest part of me having that experience and bringing that to Troy is teaching the girls how to understand pressure and how to handle it.” 

As a coach, Hightower said her communication skills and her ability to scout hitters are some of her greatest strengths. She made 136 appearances in college and has played professionally since 2023, and brings that experience to the Troy pitching staff, which adds talent while returning three arms from last season. 

“I think we’re really deep from a pitching stance,” Hightower said. “I really think the ceiling is high for all of the pitchers.” 

Although Hightower has a close relationship with Puckett specifically, she values the way the Troy coaching staff as a whole works together. 

“We joke around, but we also get pretty serious, and we work really well as a staff,” Hightower said. “We all bring different personality types and ideas, and it feels really well-rounded here.”