Wolverines Add Former Valparaiso Standout Lagesse to Coaching Staff
9/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sept. 17, 2015
Alex Lagesse
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan softball head coach Carol Hutchins announced Thursday (Sept. 17) the addition of Alex Lagesse to the coaching staff. Lagesse, a two-time Horizon League honoree and career record holder in wins and strikeouts at Valparaiso, will serve as the Wolverines' volunteer coach.
"Alex is a great addition to our staff," said Hutchins. "She brings a great blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm, and we are excited to have her here in Ann Arbor."
"I would like to thank Coach Hutchins, her staff and the Michigan athletic department for allowing me to be a part of their family," said Lagesse. "I am excited to be in an environment where I can continue to learn from people who have such a passion for the game. I am looking forward to getting started and taking the skills that I learn and give back to the student athletes that I have the opportunity to work with."
As a four-year starting RHP at Valparaiso (2009-12), Lagesse posted a 55-39 career record with a 2.37 earned-run average and 447 strikeouts. She ranks first in Crusader history in both wins and strikeouts, as well as second in games pitched (130) and fourth in ERA. A two-time All-Horizon League honoree, Lagesse earned Pitcher of the Week honors from the Horizon League office on six occasions. Among her notable college performances, she tossed a perfect game against Detroit in 2011 and a no-hitter against Bryant in 2009.
Lagesse was twice named to the Horizon League All-Tournament teams (2009, '10), and as a senior in 2012, she set the single-season win record (22), including two at the Horizon League Tournament to help lead the Crusaders to their first NCAA Tournament berth.
After graduation, she volunteered as a pitching coach for the softball team at Saint Joseph's College in Indiana before returning to Valparaiso, where she helped lead the Crusaders to third place in the Horizon League and a spot in the Horizon League Championship game as an assistant coach in 2014.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Lagesse graduated from Valparaiso in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in sports management and obtained a master's degree in sports administration from Valparaiso in 2015.
Former Wolverine Nikki Nemitz, who spent the last four years as Michigan's volunteer coach and contributed to three Great Lakes Coaching Staff of the Year awards, remains on staff as director of softball operations.
Communications Contact: Leah Howard
