Carroll University Women's Softball

Gradecki will begin her eight season as head softball coach at Carroll University in 2016. She is in her second stint on Carrolls staff, having served as an assistant coach in the mid-1990s under then head coach Darla Wack. Gradecki re- joined the Pioneer staff after nine successful seasons at the helm of the Wilmot Union High School softball program. She amassed over 100 victories at Wilmot.   Gradeckis Pioneers have earned many individual accolades over the past five seasons, including 20 All-Midwest Conference n honorees, 51 Academic All-Midwest Conference selections and a Pitcher of the Year award.   Carroll has won 118 games in Gradeckis seven seasons in charge and several of her players have broken school records and earned national recognition in many statistical categories. She was named MWC North Division Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2014 and her squad was awarded the prestigious MWC Sportsmanship Award in 2011.   Gradecki enjoyed a stellar two-sport career at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, where she competed in basketball and softball, earning All-WIAC honors on the hardwood.   In addition to her coaching duties, Gradecki is a part of the Carroll University Administrative Staff, where she tackles several administrative responsibilities.

Ericka Hess was named Head Softball Coach of the Pioneers on June 24, 2025, becoming the program's fifth head coach of the century. Hess came to Carroll from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich., where she served as an assistant coach for three years. While at Hillsdale, Hess was in charge of coordinating team logistics, including travel, lodging, and meals, while ensuring smooth and efficient operations at the NCAA Division-II level. She also developed and implemented practice plans with a focus on outfield and slapper development, while contributing to individual player growth and overall team performance. In addition to that, Hess planned and executed youth and recruiting camp events for Hillsdale, while working instructional camps nationwide to build relationships and promote the program. While at Hillsdale, Hess also served as the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Assistant Coordinator, where she helped organize and facilitate campus SAAC meetings and encouraging collaboration and leadership among student-athletes. Prior to her time at Hillsdale, Hess served as Head Varsity Coach for three years at her alma mater of Iroquios High School in Erie, Pa. In what served as her first Head Coaching position, Hess provided individualized softball instruction, focusing on hitting, fielding, and conditioning of student-athletes of all ages and skill levels. She also collaborated with athletes to identify specific goals and areas for improvement and development, while utilizing advanced technology to analyze swing data. Hess also spent three years as a softball instructor for Erie Elite Athletic Academy. A 2019 graduate of Geneva College, Hess earned her Bachelors degree in both Psychology and Human Services. While at Geneva, she was a four-year member of the Golden Tornadoes' softball team, where she compiled a career batting average of .271. In 106 games, including 99 starts, Hess also recorded 62 hits, 20 RBI, six stolen bases, and 29 runs scored, while primarily playing second base and outfield. While at Geneva, she was Vice President of SAAC. A native of Erie, Pa., Hess served as a ball girl for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2018-21.