Julie Graf was hired as a graduate assistant coach for the AU softball team in August, 2021. Graf will assist head coach Luke 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, the fifth-year senior 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.
