LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The historic season is in the books, but the awards continue to roll in for Augustana Softball. On Tuesday, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association named the Augustana coaching staff the Central Region staff of the year. Augustana head coach Gretta Melsted is joined by assistant coaches Nat Wagner and Kelsey Thompson.
 
The trio of coaches not only led Augustana to tie the school-record with 61 wins and the 2019 DII national title, but they also helped the Vikings break numerous single-season program records. Throughout the 2019 season, Augustana set single-season marks for runs (491), hits (699), doubles (129), HR (94), RBI (458), total bases (1155), stolen bases (131), and slugging percentage (.576).
 
The Viking pitching staff was equally impressive, finishing top-10 in numerous single-season categories including wins (61), innings pitching (464.0), strikeouts (417), and opponent batting average (.197).
 
Earlier this season, coach Melsted also claimed her 500th career win at Augustana and 600th overall victory. In 16 years as a head coach, Melsted has a career record of 609-312 (.661).
 
Following an NSIC Tournament title, coach Melsted and staff led the Vikings to a 10-2 record in the NCAA postseason. Augustana knocked off No. 2 Winona State in regionals and No. 1 Central Oklahoma in super regionals, both on the road, to reach the program's fifth NCAA Division II Softball Championship.