DALLAS, Tex. – In the midst of one of the most successful and winningest coaching careers in NCAA Division II softball, Gretta Melsted's run at the helm of Augustana was put on full display earlier this month as she was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, in recognition for her outstanding efforts during the Vikings' dominant 2024 season, Kelsey Thompson was honored as the DII National Assistant Coach of the Year.
 
The two pinnacles of Augustana softball were each recognized during the NFCA Hall of Fame celebrations in Dallas on Dec. 6 and 7.
 
Melsted's unwavering commitment to the university and Viking softball has pushed Augustana to soaringly successful heights, with seven NSIC conference titles, four NSIC tournament titles and 12 tournament appearances. The drive culminated in a 2019 NCAA Division II championship title with a team that reached a program-record 61 victories.
 
Since taking the reins in 2007, Melsted has led the Vikings to 813 total victories, reaching at least 40 wins on 11 occasions with five 50-win seasons. The program has reached NCAA Division II National Championship four times, most recently in 2024, made four Super Regional appearances and captured four Central Region titles.  
 
Melsted has mentored 95 all-conference, 49 NFCA All-Region and 24 NFCA All-America honorees alongside one NCAA Woman of the Year (2021). In addition to coaching the Vikings, Melsted is active in the NFCA, serving as the Association's Division II Board Representative, while serving multiple terms on the Division II All-America, Head Coaches and Top-25 committees.
 
"I'd like to specifically thank the NFCA, executive director Carol Bruggeman and the Hall of Fame committee for this truly humbling honor," said Melsted during her speech at the Hall of Fame March. "I'd also like to congratulate Connie and Tim. It's really amazing for me to be standing by you guys. It's hard to put into words how humbling an honor this is for me."
 
She is the second member of the NFCA Hall of Fame from Augustana, joining Sandy Jerstad, a 2000 inductee. Melsted was also inducted alongside former University of Texas coach Connie Clark and current University of Florida coach Tim Walton.
 
Thompson, who joined the Augustana coaching staff in six seasons ago, received her NFCA honor after mentoring a first-team NFCA Division II All-America pitcher and helping lead the team to a 50-15 overall record, which featured a trip back to the NCAA Division II World Series for the third time in five seasons.
 
"Thank you to the NFCA for a phenomenal week for Coach Melsted, myself, and Augustana Softball," said Thompson. "To be named the D2 NFCA National Assistant Coach of the year is truly humbling and I am so thankful to be able to represent Augustana, our coaching staff and our student-athletes on the national stage."
 
"Sharing the excitement of Coach Melsted's Hall of Fame induction was truly special. Her leadership, character and values were on full display at the banquet and it was made clear she fits perfectly in the NFCA Hall Of Fame. The culture of Augustana Softball was on full display all week for all to see! Thank you again to the NFCA for a week we will always cherish."
 
Augustana clinched the 2024 NSIC Regular Season Championship title with a 27-1 overall record as well as the NSIC Championship and NCAA Central Super Regional Championship with a berth to the NCAA Championship.
 
Success on the field has also flooded off-field for the Vikings, as coaches and players alike have tallied numerous awards and accolades on the year.
 
In the 2024 season, the Vikings had four NFCA All-Americans, three D2CCA All-Americas, an NFCA Rawlings Gold Glove Winner, TUCCI/NFCA DII Freshman of the Year Finalist, D2CCA Regional Pitcher of the Year, Four D2CCA All-Central Region, five NFCA All-Region, an NSIC Player of the Year, the NSIC Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year, the NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year Award winner and nine NSIC All-Conference honorees. The Viking softball staff was also recognized as the ATEC/NFCA DII Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.
 
Stay tuned for schedule and ticket information for the upcoming 2025 season.