WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll University Head Softball Coach Amy Gradecki has announced her plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 season, after 16 years at the helm of the Pioneers.

During her tenure as the program's winningest and longest-tenured head coach, Gradecki compiled a career record of 271-285. She still ranks 10th in Midwest Conference (MWC) history for career coaching wins (118), despite Carroll only playing in the MWC for her first seven years as head coach of the Pioneers. She then went on to win 153 more games as a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Gradecki was named MWC North Division Coach of the Year in both 2012 and 2014, and her squad was awarded the prestigious MWC Sportsmanship Award during the 2011 season.

"Coach Gradecki has been a constant for our softball program for almost two decades and has had many successes along the way. She will absolutely be missed." Carroll Athletics Director Michael Schulist said. "It really is a bittersweet moment when you lose a long-tenured coach. Carroll will miss her tremendously as she has developed a lot of relationships through campus and with our outstanding alumni. On the other side of it, I'm very excited for Coach Gradecki to enjoy her next phase of her life. She has absolutely earned this moment."

Gradecki's Pioneers have earned many individual accolades in her 16 years leading the program, including 20 All-MWC honorees, 51 Academic All-MWC selections and an MWC Pitcher of the Year winner. As part of the CCIW, 29 of Gradecki's players have been selected to the All-Conference team, including a CCIW pitcher of the year and a newcomer of the year. Three players have been selected to the All-Region team during her tenure.

"It's been an honor and privilege to serve the softball program and Carroll University for the last 16 years. The relationships I've formed with co-workers and continue to have with alumni will be long lasting and have filled my life in so many ways," Gradecki said. "I am grateful to Carroll for supporting me and the softball program all these years. I'm excited to see the program improve and continue succeed in the future.  Go Pios!"

Several of Gradecki's players have broken school records and earned national recognition in many statistical categories during her time with the Pioneers. That includes Amanda Osterhus, the only Carroll softball player to record over 700 strikeouts in a career.

An assistant coach for the Pios during the mid-1990s under then-head coach Darla Wack, Gradecki re-joined the Pioneer staff after nine successful seasons as the Head Coach at Wilmot Union High School in Wilmot, Wis., where she amassed over 100 victories.. 
 
Gradecki enjoyed a stellar two-sport career as a student-athlete at UW-Stevens Point, where she competed in both basketball and softball, earning All-WIAC honors on the hardwood.