Gretta Melsted has been appointed the head softball coach at the University of Minnesota, following a successful 20-year tenure at Augustana University. Under Melsted, Augustana achieved remarkable milestones, including 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and winning the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship. The five-year agreement is pending a background check, and Athletic Director Mark Coyle praised Melsted as a proven winner committed to building on the Gophers' legacy.

By the Numbers
  • Melsted holds an impressive 813-313 overall record at Augustana.
  • The Vikings achieved a program-best 61 wins during the 2019 season.
State of Play
  • Melsted's teams consistently ranked among the nation’s top offenses, ranking second in slugging percentage (.607) in 2023.
  • She recently led Augustana to a 50-15 season, with multiple players earning All-American honors in 2024.
What's Next

As Melsted transitions to Minnesota, she is expected to leverage her extensive coaching experience to elevate the Gophers' softball program to new competitive heights while focusing on developing student-athletes.

Bottom Line

Gretta Melsted's appointment is a strategic move for the University of Minnesota, signaling a commitment to excellence in their softball program, aiming to harness her proven track record to inspire future successes.