SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Augustana Softball head coach Gretta Melsted has announced the promotion of Kelsey Thompson to the program's full-time assistant coach. A former Augustana graduate assistant and Division II head coach, Thompson is now in her second season with the Vikings. 

Under the guidance of Melsted, Thompson and former coach Nat Wagner, 2019 was a banner year for Augustana Softball. Named the NFCA staff of the year, the Vikings claimed an NSIC Tournament title, the NCAA Central Region crown and a DII National Championship.

"It is an extreme honor to be back on the Augustana University campus full time," Thompson said. "This campus community is truly a special place and the people that you are surrounded by each day make Augie a one of a kind environment and a place you want to come back to and call home.

"Having been a part of the softball program for five years now, I can say I thoroughly enjoy helping our girls develop as softball players and empowered young adults.  The success in this program has is unparalleled and comes from the one of a kind culture that has been built here throughout the years." 

In 2019, Thompson primarily worked with the pitching and catching staff, helping the Vikings establish 2019 single-season records for total wins (61), innings pitched (464.0), strikeouts (417), and opponent batting average (.197). 

Before joining the Viking staff, Thompson was the head coach at the University of Sioux Falls. A native of Blue Earth, Minnesota, Thompson directed the USF program from 2013-18, compiling a 157-104 record (.601) in five seasons.