ALFRED, N.Y. – The Alfred University softball team and head coach Luke Wesneski have announced the hires of Julie Graf and Cassie Reed as graduate assistant coaches, beginning in mid-August. Both Graf and Reed will assist Wesneski with recruiting, game and practice planning, player development, fundraising, and travel logistics.
 
Graf arrives to the magic valley after a stellar playing career at St. Olaf College. Graf, a pitcher, is a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American and was one of 15 finalists for the Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Pitcher and Player of the Year this past season. Graf appeared in 31 games and started 25 times for St. Olaf in 2021, going 21-7 with a 1.28 ERA while throwing 20 complete games, five shutouts, and three no-hitters. In 169.0 innings of work, Graf led NCAA Division III with 316 strikeouts, while ranking second in strikeouts per seven innings (13.1) and held opponents to a .140 batting average. Graf also ranked fourth nationally in complete games, fifth in hits allowed per seven innings (3.44), and sixth in wins.

Graf, a native of Sammamish, Wash., wrapped up her career as St. Olaf's all-time leader in strikeouts (1,236), strikeouts per seven innings (12.04), wins (80), appearances (137), starts (106), complete games (70), shutouts (22), and innings pitched (719.0). Her career mark of 12.04 strikeouts per seven innings ranks fifth in NCAA Division III history, while her total of 1,236 strikeouts is eighth.
 
Graf was also stellar in the classroom, as she is a two-time College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America ® honoree. She graduated in May with a 3.57 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) while double-majoring in exercise science and psychology. She was named to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Academic All-Conference Team three times and collected a pair of CoSIDA Academic All-District ® honors. In the community, Graf was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board and served in the Ole Leadership Academy, engaging in educational sessions focused on growing and honing leadership skills in professional settings. This past spring, Graf was also chosen as St. Olaf's nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year.
 
Reed comes to Alfred after a solid four-year playing career at Calumet College of St. Joseph. Reed, a utility player, played in 102 career games. As a senior in 2021, Reed tallied 22 hits, leading the team with 14 walks, and finished third on the team with 16 runs batted in. A great fielder, Reed was named Defensive Player of the Year by the CCSJ softball team.
 
Reed, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native, is also stellar in the classroom. Reed is a three-time Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, which honors athletes who achieve a 3.5 or better grade point average. She graduated this past May with magna cum laude honors, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in human services.

Reed has also been very busy around campus and in the community. Reed served as a student assistant in CCSJ's athletic department for the last four years and served as Student Government President in the 2020-21 school year. She has volunteered her time in the community with Habitat for Humanity and the I'm Not Just a Name Children's Resource Center. Reed also worked as a Tour Ambassador with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center from 2018-2020, promoting awareness and positive recognition of the Olympic and Paralympic movement through community relations.

Graf and Reed will look to assist a talented Saxon squad in the 2021-22 season and beyond. The Saxons, defending Empire 8 Champions, will return two NFCA All-Americans in Ashley Lugo (Hesperia, Calif./Oak Hills) and Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, Calif./Simi Valley), along with All-Empire 8 selections in Tatiana Mejia (North Hills, Calif./John F. Kennedy), Alyssa Guitron (San Bernardino, Calif./Cajon), Mya Wells (San Ramon, Calif./California), and Megan Bennett (Athens, Pa./Athens Area).