Rachael Knapp joined the Western Michigan softball program on December 30, 2019, as an assistant coach.
Her primary responsibilities include working with players on live drills, the mental approach of the game and reviewing film in preparation for opponents. She works with volunteer coach Andy VandenBerg and the pitching staff, as well as recruiting.
The 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic as the Broncos played just 21 games, none against MAC competition. Still, WMU picked up another top-25 victory with a 9-7 win at No. 22 Arizona State on February 8.
Junior Sydney Stefanick led the way for the Broncos, batting .364 with a team-high 24 hits during the shortened campaign. She was also the Broncos’ top option in the circle, recording three wins, four complete games and 48 strikeouts while yielding 22 walks.
Originally from Saint Joseph, Mich., Knapp arrived in Kalamazoo from overseas, where she was a starting pitcher for Haarlem Roef in the Dutch Golden League in Holland.
Knapp graduated from Central Michigan University in 2017 and was a four-year pitcher. As a senior, she earned honorable mention Fastpitch News All-America, second team Great Lakes All-Region, first team All-Mid-American Conference and MAC Pitcher of the Year accolades. During her final campaign, she went 22-10 in the circle, tying for the third most wins in program history. She also recorded a career-high 256 strikeouts, which ranked second in the MAC and 15th in the NCAA.
