November 03, 2026 | Softball, Tyee Club
SEATTLE – The University of Washington Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has named former Husky softball standout Courtney Gano as Director of the Big W Club, Director of Athletics Pat Chun announced today.
The Big W Club serves as Washington Athletics' letterwinner engagement organization, providing opportunities for former student-athletes to remain connected to the University and one another. Its programming includes alumni reunions, recognition events, networking, professional development, and opportunities to engage with current Husky student-athletes.
A 2016 Washington graduate, Gano brings a combination of experience as a collegiate student-athlete, professional and international competitor, coach, and athletics administrator. In her new role, she will lead efforts to strengthen relationships among Washington's former student-athletes, expand engagement and networking opportunities, and celebrate the people and traditions that have shaped Husky Athletics.
"We are excited to name Courtney Gano as the new Director of the Big W Club," said Washington Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "As a former Husky student-athlete, professional athlete, and coach, Courtney brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the traditions of Washington Athletics. Her leadership and experience will be valuable as we continue to strengthen the relationships and lifelong connections among our former student-athletes."
Gano has spent much of her professional career at Washington, most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Husky softball program. Since returning to Montlake in 2022, she has held multiple leadership positions, including director of player development, chief of staff, recruiting coordinator, and academic liaison.
"The University of Washington has been home to me for nearly two decades, and I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships that have shaped me along the way. From being a student-athlete to coaching the next generation of Huskies, I've experienced firsthand what makes this community so special. I'm especially thankful for Coach Tarr's guidance and support and for the players who have made this journey so meaningful. I'm honored to step into this new role and excited to strengthen the lifelong connections that make being a Husky so special."
Gano's UW softball responsibilities extended beyond the field, including student-athlete mentorship, academic and career development, recruiting, event management, and collaboration with administrators throughout Washington Athletics. She has also served as director of Washington Softball's youth camps and clinics, overseeing programming and engagement with athletes, families, and the broader community.
"Courtney's experience makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Big W Club and strengthen the connections between our former student-athletes and Washington Athletics," said Shannon Kelly, Senior Deputy Athletic Director. "She understands the opportunities and challenges our student-athletes experience during their time at Washington, as well as the importance of maintaining those relationships long after their competitive careers end. We have an extraordinary community of Husky letterwinners, and Courtney's leadership will help us find new ways to bring them together, recognize their achievements, and keep them meaningfully connected to the University."
As a Washington student-athlete from 2011–16, Gano distinguished herself both on and off the field. She earned All-Pac-12 and NFCA All-Pacific Region recognition, helped the Huskies reach the 2013 Women's College World Series and received Academic All-Pac-12 honors. She also represented her teammates on the Washington Student-Athlete Advisory Council and participated in community service, student-athlete mentorship, and engagement initiatives.
Following her collegiate career, Gano played professionally in National Pro Fastpitch and Athletes Unlimited Softball and represented the United States as a member of the USA Softball Women's National Team. She won gold at the Japan All-Star Series and bronze at the International Cup, and became the first mother to compete in Athletes Unlimited Softball.
Gano also previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at Northwestern University before returning to Washington, where she helped guide the Huskies to the 2023 Women's College World Series as director of player development.
Gano earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in 2021.
Follow @BigWClub on social media to stay engaged with the Husky alumni community.
The Big W Club serves as Washington Athletics' letterwinner engagement organization, providing opportunities for former student-athletes to remain connected to the University and one another. Its programming includes alumni reunions, recognition events, networking, professional development, and opportunities to engage with current Husky student-athletes.
A 2016 Washington graduate, Gano brings a combination of experience as a collegiate student-athlete, professional and international competitor, coach, and athletics administrator. In her new role, she will lead efforts to strengthen relationships among Washington's former student-athletes, expand engagement and networking opportunities, and celebrate the people and traditions that have shaped Husky Athletics.
"We are excited to name Courtney Gano as the new Director of the Big W Club," said Washington Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "As a former Husky student-athlete, professional athlete, and coach, Courtney brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the traditions of Washington Athletics. Her leadership and experience will be valuable as we continue to strengthen the relationships and lifelong connections among our former student-athletes."
Gano has spent much of her professional career at Washington, most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Husky softball program. Since returning to Montlake in 2022, she has held multiple leadership positions, including director of player development, chief of staff, recruiting coordinator, and academic liaison.
"The University of Washington has been home to me for nearly two decades, and I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships that have shaped me along the way. From being a student-athlete to coaching the next generation of Huskies, I've experienced firsthand what makes this community so special. I'm especially thankful for Coach Tarr's guidance and support and for the players who have made this journey so meaningful. I'm honored to step into this new role and excited to strengthen the lifelong connections that make being a Husky so special."
Gano's UW softball responsibilities extended beyond the field, including student-athlete mentorship, academic and career development, recruiting, event management, and collaboration with administrators throughout Washington Athletics. She has also served as director of Washington Softball's youth camps and clinics, overseeing programming and engagement with athletes, families, and the broader community.
"Courtney's experience makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Big W Club and strengthen the connections between our former student-athletes and Washington Athletics," said Shannon Kelly, Senior Deputy Athletic Director. "She understands the opportunities and challenges our student-athletes experience during their time at Washington, as well as the importance of maintaining those relationships long after their competitive careers end. We have an extraordinary community of Husky letterwinners, and Courtney's leadership will help us find new ways to bring them together, recognize their achievements, and keep them meaningfully connected to the University."
As a Washington student-athlete from 2011–16, Gano distinguished herself both on and off the field. She earned All-Pac-12 and NFCA All-Pacific Region recognition, helped the Huskies reach the 2013 Women's College World Series and received Academic All-Pac-12 honors. She also represented her teammates on the Washington Student-Athlete Advisory Council and participated in community service, student-athlete mentorship, and engagement initiatives.
Following her collegiate career, Gano played professionally in National Pro Fastpitch and Athletes Unlimited Softball and represented the United States as a member of the USA Softball Women's National Team. She won gold at the Japan All-Star Series and bronze at the International Cup, and became the first mother to compete in Athletes Unlimited Softball.
Gano also previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at Northwestern University before returning to Washington, where she helped guide the Huskies to the 2023 Women's College World Series as director of player development.
Gano earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in 2021.
Follow @BigWClub on social media to stay engaged with the Husky alumni community.
Wednesday, November 04
Tuesday, November 03
Tuesday, November 03
Tuesday, November 03
