OSWEGO, NY – Assistant Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Wendy McManus has named Grace Van Horn as the 9^th Softball Head Coach for the SUNY Oswego Lakers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Grace Van Horn as the new head coach of our softball program." Said McManus. "Her passion and experience will undoubtedly help our student-athletes grow on and off the field."

Prior to joining Oswego, Van Horn led the Wells College Express starting in September 2022. She increased recruiting initiatives and rebuilt an undersized roster in her two seasons with the Express. Before beginning at Wells, Van Horn spent 4 years as an assistant coach for the Southern Cayuga High School varsity softball program. Van Horn also continues to give private lessons to youth players from all around the Central New York area, an endeavor she's been pursuing for 7 years. Van Horn works very closely with several travel organizations in the area as a pitching coach. 

"I am honored and excited to accept this position," said Van Horn. "I am grateful to Wendy McManus and the entire search committee for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started!"

A celebrated pitcher of Union Springs High School, Van Horn received wide recognition for her outstanding play, achieving honors such as: being named twice as an All-State selection; three-time ESPN Softball Athlete of the Year; four-time Citizen Softball All-Star; and the first softball student athlete in the district history to be offered a scholarship to play at the NCAA Division I level where she played for St. Bonaventure University and later NCAA Division II Oklahoma Baptist University.

The Lakers softball team is coming off their 2024 campaign where they finished with an overall record of 10-22 and a 5-13 record in the SUNYAC. Oswego is ready to hit the ground running this semester with 15 returners and an exciting first year class.