Danielle de Ruiter

Danielle de Ruiter is a highly experienced softball coach and instructor, providing elite private and team softball lessons, as well as slowpitch softball training, for athletes at all skill levels. With over 15 years of experience in competitive softball as both a player and coach, Danielle specializes in player development, skill refinement, and high-performance training.

Danielle competed at the NCAA Division I level, playing three seasons (2019–2021) at the University of North Alabama, following two NJCAA Division I seasons at Pensacola State College (2016–2018). Her collegiate career laid the foundation for a deep understanding of elite-level softball mechanics, game strategy, and athlete development.

In addition to her playing career, Danielle has built an impressive coaching résumé. She served as an assistant softball coach at Thomas University (NAIA) in Georgia and East Georgia State College (NJCAA), and gained international coaching experience as head coach of the Tex Town Tigers Ladies 1 Softball Team in Enschede, Netherlands 🇳🇱.

Danielle has also played a significant role in national and high-performance athlete development, working as a coach with the Canada Futures Developmental Program, a Canadian travel ball recruiting team, and assisting with Team Canada national team tryouts. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, mental toughness, and long-term athlete growth.

Throughout her playing career, Danielle earned numerous accolades, including ASUN Conference Honor Roll, UNA Scholar-Athlete of the Month, Panhandle Conference Second-Team All-Conference, and Softball BC Minor Athlete of the Year. She was a proud member of the Canadian U19 Women’s National Team** and captured gold with Team BC at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Originally from South Surrey, British Columbia 🇨🇦, Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Coaching and Officiating, as well as a Master’s in Professional Studies with a focus on Community Development, both from the University of North Alabama.

Today, Danielle brings her international playing experience, collegiate coaching background, and national-level development expertise to every lesson, helping athletes maximize performance, confidence, and results on the field.