Graceland University Names Gracie Lopez Head Softball Coach

LAMONI, Iowa – Graceland University Director of Athletics Brady McKillip has announced the hiring of Gracie Lopez as the next head coach of the Yellowjacket softball program.

Lopez brings a diverse coaching background to Graceland with experience at the NJCAA, NAIA, travel ball, and international levels. Most recently, she served as an assistant coach at State College of Florida while also coaching internationally with the Wiener Neustadt Crazy Chicklets in Austria and serving as an assistant coach for the Austrian National Team. Her coaching experience also includes stops at New College of Florida and Fusion Travel Softball, where she helped develop student-athletes both on and off the field.

"We are excited to welcome Gracie Lopez to the Graceland family as our next head softball coach," said Director of Athletics Brady McKillip. "Gracie brings a tremendous passion for student-athlete development, a strong knowledge of the game, and a proven ability to build meaningful relationships with her players. Her experiences at multiple levels of collegiate softball, combined with her international coaching background, make her an outstanding fit to lead our program into the future. We are excited for the energy, leadership, and vision she will bring to Yellowjacket Softball."

Lopez has built a reputation as a coach committed to developing the complete student-athlete. Throughout her coaching career, she has emphasized accountability, leadership, mental performance, and academic success while helping athletes maximize their potential on the field.

"I am incredibly excited to get started at Graceland University and continue building on the success that has already been established within the athletic department," Lopez said. "I am grateful to Athletic Director Brady McKillip for trusting me with this opportunity as we enter a new era of Yellowjacket Softball."

"With experience at the junior college, NAIA, and international levels, I am excited to bring what I have learned to Graceland and continue developing a competitive style of play while helping our student-athletes succeed both on and off the field," Lopez added. "I am also looking forward to becoming part of the Lamoni community, building relationships across campus, and creating a softball program that our students, alumni, and community can be proud to support."

Lopez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Ave Maria University and is currently completing her MBA in Sports Management from Webber International University.

Graceland Softball has established itself as a competitive program within the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and Lopez will officially begin her duties immediately as preparations begin for the 2026-27 season.

For more information on Graceland Athletics, visit GUjackets.com.