D'Youville College Women's Softball

Graham Johnsen was named the first Head Coach of D’Youville University’s Sprint Football program as it prepares for its inaugural 2026 season. A native of Geneseo, NY, Johnsen was a multi-sport standout before competing at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he helped the Golden Eagles to two Conference USA championships and a Liberty Bowl victory in 1997. He was also a two-time Academic All-Conference selection and later earned his master’s degree while serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Phillip Fulmer. Johnsen brings extensive coaching experience across every level of college football, having coached at six Division I programs and several established Division II and III institutions. His career includes developing more than 100 All-Conference selections, five All-Americans, multiple Academic All-Americans, and numerous NFL and CFL players. His units have consistently ranked among national and conference leaders, and he has held roles as Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Offensive Coordinator. Johnsen also previously led the Mansfield sprint football program, where he elevated academic performance, program competitiveness, and produced record-breaking offensive achievements. A proven recruiter and program builder, Johnsen emphasizes character, academics, and player development both on and off the field. He has coached elite performers at every position group, including national statistical leaders and multiple 1,000-yard rushers and receivers. An active member of the AFCA and former vice president of the National Football Foundation/Twin Tiers Chapter, Johnsen is also heavily involved in community service. He and his wife Suzanne still reside in Geneseo, NY and have four children.

Head Coach Shelly Hoerner enters her third season as Head Coach of the D'Youville Softball program for the 2026-27 school year after being named head coach in July 2024. Hoerner holds an overall record of 45-40 with a conference record of 19-21.  In her second season leading the Saints, D'Youville held a 22-20 overall record, entering postseason as the #3 seed in the East Coast Conference tournament. The Saints closed out the year with a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas in the Championship game. Senior, Summer Clark was named ECC Pitcher of the Year and Sophomore, Frankie Morris was named ECC Player of the Year with four Saints being named ECC First Team All-Conference.  In her first season at the helm of the D'Youville Softball program, Hoerner led the team to their first ever East Coast Conference Championship title along with the program's first NCAA Division II Regional Appearance.  Hoerner comes to D'Youville after seven years as the Head Coach at Appalachian State University with a 161-172 overall record there. Hoerner got her coaching start at the Division II level at Barry University as an assistant coach in 1996. During her time at Barry, she also worked as an assistant coach in Nice, France in 1998 for the Professional Fast Pitch League. Hoerner got her first Head Coaching position in 1999 at Valdosta State University. As her career continued, Shelly Hoerner also took the head coaching role at Barry University, College of Charleston, and the Georgia Institute of Technology along with an assistant coaching position at North Caroline State. In her tenure caching, Hoerner has an overall winning record of 699-623. During her time as a player, Hoerner was named All-SSC Player at Barry University and All-MAAC Player at Canisius College. Following her career, she has been inducted into the New York State Softball Hall of Fame, the Western New York Hall of Fame, and the North Tonawanda High School Athletic Wall of Fame.  Hoerner graduated with a bachelors degree in physical education from Canisius in 1996 and went on to obtain her masters in sports management from Barry University in 1999.  

Ben Kuntz joins the DYU Sprint program as he enters his fourth season as a collegiate coach. Kuntz most recently finished a season as the defensive backs coach at Keystone College in Pennsylvania where he developed vital understanding of coverage concepts. Prior to his experience with Keystone, Kuntz completed two seasons as a graduate assistant for Vermont State Castleton, at which he coached the running backs and tight ends. Kuntz has also manned the coaching of long snappers at both Keystone & Castleton.   Prior to coaching, Kuntz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Fitness with a nutrition minor from Muskingum University in Ohio. In addition, he earned a master’s in athletic leadership while at Vermont State.  

Chris Rollin brings a diverse range of coaching and operational experience to D'Youville University. Most recently, Rollin spent three seasons (2019–2021) at St. John Fisher University, where he coached wide receivers and served as the JV Offensive Coordinator. During his time with the Cardinals, he helped develop an All–Empire 8 wide receiver and played a key role in implementing offensive game plans and player development. Prior to St. John Fisher, Rollin served as the Wide Receivers Coach at Mansfield University, where he contributed to the Mountaineers first winning season in 15 years. Before Mansfield, Rollin spent two seasons at Alfred State University, initially as the Director of Football Operations before being promoted to Assistant Coach in charge of linebackers. Earlier in his career, Rollin gained Division I experience as a Football Equipment Intern at Eastern Michigan University. Rollin attended Bowling Green State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a minor in Marketing.  

Brendan Gawel joins the staff after a 4 year collegiate career at St. John Fisher University, playing wide receiver and graduating in 2023. During Gawel's time at St. John Fisher, he participated in 4 years of varsity football, while also earning a degree in corporate finance.  Prior to St. John Fisher, Gawel was a former Starpoint graduate where he was selected to 2 all league teams as well as being a 2 year captain.   A Western New York native, Gawel brings extensive on-field experience to the staff. His background as a collegiate wide receiver informs his approach to teaching technique and developing players. He is dedicated to helping athletes grow and strengthen the offensive unit.  

Taylor Thorp joined the D’Youville University Softball Coaching Staff in the Fall of 2024. Thorp is an Appalachian State University graduate earning her bachelors in both criminal justice and exercise science and her master’s degree in exercise science. Thorp began at App State in 2018 as a third and first basemen on the softball team and was named team captain in 2023 and 2024. During her time at Appalachian State, Thorp also worked with the Appalachian State Police Department as an intern and a Cadet as well as interning as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. Thorp says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the D’Youville family and coach with Coach Hoerner. After six years as a player under her, I’m excited to work alongside her and invest in these young women. I cannot wait to get started. Go Saints!”