News Summary
San Diego State University has named Grace French as the new assistant coach for its softball team. With prior coaching experience at AUSL Bandits and Northwestern University, French brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong record in collegiate softball. Her time at Bradley University also highlights her impressive accolades as a player. As the season approaches, expectations are high for her impact on the team, especially with her sister set to join the Aztecs.
San Diego – San Diego State University has announced the appointment of Grace French as the new assistant coach for the softball team. This decision comes from head coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz, who expressed confidence in French’s abilities and experience to contribute to the team’s success.
French arrives at SDSU after a successful role as an assistant coach with the AUSL Bandits, where she was part of a coaching team that led the team to a strong performance during the season, finishing with a 15-9 record and a +39 run differential. French brings with her a wealth of experience gained from her time as a graduate assistant coach at Northwestern University, where she held additional roles including pitching coach and director of camps.
In her position at Northwestern from 2023 to 2025, French was responsible for developing pitching strategies, designing bullpen sessions, and recruiting new players. Her hands-on experience in real-game coaching included managing pitching efforts and handling first base coaching duties, showcasing her versatility on the field. This combination of practical knowledge and leadership skills is expected to be a significant asset to the Aztecs.
Grace French’s background in collegiate softball is impressive. During her playing career at Bradley University from 2019 to 2023, she amassed multiple accolades, including being selected twice as an All-Missouri Valley second team and defensive team selection. Her standout achievement in 2022 was earning NFCA All-Mideast Region Second Team honors. Additionally, French ranked 10th nationally for doubles with a total of 18, demonstrating her prowess as a player during her senior season.
French’s contributions to the Bradley Braves have been notable, as she is the only player in the program’s history to lead in wins, complete games, innings pitched, and home runs in two separate seasons. Her performance has also secured her a place within the top ten of Bradley’s program record book in several statistical categories, including career wins and strikeouts.
A native of Benicia, California, French graduated from Bradley with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology health science, earning summa cum laude honors in 2022. She further advanced her education by obtaining two master’s degrees in 2025: one in sports administration with a specialization in sports analytics from Northwestern and another in business administration from Bradley, underscoring her commitment to her professional growth.
French also has familial ties to the sport, as her younger sister, Emma French, is poised to join the Aztecs as an incoming freshman infielder. This connection not only adds a personal element to Grace’s move to San Diego but also hints at the potential future family history within the program.
Overall, French’s extensive coaching background, demonstrated leadership skills, and impressive playing history position her as a valuable addition to San Diego State’s softball program. As the season approaches, fans and players alike anticipate the impact she will have on the team’s performance and future success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kevin Vance Appointed Head Coach of SDSU Baseball Program
Kendall Fearn Appointed Head Softball Coach at LBSU
San Diego State Softball Triumphs Over Arizona State
Cal Fire Conducts Live Fire Training in San Diego County
San Diego State Softball Players Named to Academic All-District Team
Michigan Women’s Track and Field Team Gears Up for NCAA Regionals
SDSU Softball Team Advances to Next Round with Victory
Fire Breaks Out in San Diego’s East Village
Nevada Wolf Pack Dominates San Diego State Aztecs 11-1
SDSU Softball Claims Mountain West Tournament Championship
Additional Resources
- San Diego State University News
- Northwestern University Softball Coaching Staff
- Record Online Sports News
- MaxPreps News
- Wikipedia: Softball
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
