LONGVIEW, Texas -- After a nationwide search, a familiar face will lead the LeTourneau Track & Field programs as Whitney Grubb has been announced as the new YellowJacket head coach.

Grubb spent the last year as an assistant coach with the program, overseeing all throwers.

"During the search process, Whitney quickly separated herself as a result of her strong relational ability which encompasses her approach to both discipleship and coaching," said LeTourneau Vice President for Athletics Dr. Tim Sceggel. "As an elite performer, her national championship pedigree is compelling, but her ability to relate well to both staff and student-athletes stood out in this search. Moving forward, Whitney's ability to both disciple and pursue excellence will serve the campus well as we open a new indoor facility." 

"I'm so excited for this opportunity to lead LeTourneau track and field," said Grubb. "God's plan is in motion here with myself and this program. I can't wait to get started."

During her one season as the throws coach, LeTourneau athletes established five new program records in throwing events. Calvin Mason was a four-time USTFCCCA All-West Region selection between the indoor and outdoor seasons and won the SCAC outdoor title in the hammer. Aaron Willeford also earned All-West Region honors after finishing in the top-30 nationally in the javelin.

Grubb was a decorated athlete at UT Tyler and pursued a berth in the Olympics.

She was a three-time NCAA Division III national champion at UT Tyler during her collegiate career and a seven-time All-American in the hammer and weight throw events. 

Grubb won two national titles in the hammer throw. Her 2017 title came with a national record distance of 64.03 meters (210'1) and capped back-to-back national championships in the event. In 2017, Grubb claimed the weight throw national title with her mark of 19.62 meters (64'4.5).

One of the most accomplished athletes in American Southwest Conference history, Grubb was a four-time conference champion in hammer -- including holding the conference hammer throw record -- and was a two-time champion in discus. Grubb was named the ASC Female Athlete of the Year following her senior season. Additionally, she was a three-time USTFCCCA West Region Field Athlete of the Year honoree. 

In 2024, Grubb was inducted into the UT Tyler Athletics Hall of Fame.

After her collegiate career, Grubb pursued a berth in the Olympics. She competed at multiple national meets and had a career-best distance of 67.82 meters in the hammer throw at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. She then spent two years as an assistant coach with the UT Tyler programs. 

"You love the process. You love the grind. That's hard to learn though, so I want to create an environment for my athletes that they love to show up," added Grubb about her vision for the program. "I want to teach them to love the process and understand that going all-in on their training is worship. God gave them the abilities they have for a reason, so glorify Him with every effort, every rep, every jump and throw. Use track and field as a platform for Christ."

Grubb will take over a program that just completed its second year as a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The program will be boosted with the opening of the Athletic & Human Performance Air Dome, set for official opening later this summer. The state-of-the-art dome will be the home of LeTourneau Track & Field while serving host to meets throughout the indoor season.

"The biggest thing I'm looking for in a recruit is someone who is humble and willing. Willing to work hard, to serve, to represent Christ and LeTourneau well, to be held accountable, and to be coached," added Grubb. "You don't have to be the most elite performer to have a spot on our roster, but you do have to add to the culture we're building. We need you to be gritty and ready to go to work. Division III is about investment and development and I'm all-in on building our athletes."
 

Grubb graduated from UT Tyler with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2017.

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