Valparaiso softball head coach Jordan Stevens announced today that former Crusaders Joylyn Ichiyama and Alex Lagesse will both serve as assistant coaches for the Valpo softball program in 2014.

Ichiyama, who started her coaching duties in June shortly after her eligibility expired, will be primarily responsible for working with the Crusader outfielders.  Meanwhile Lagesse, a 2012 Valparaiso graduate, returns and will work with the Crusader pitching staff.

"I am happy to welcome back both Joy and Alex to the Crusader softball program as members of our coaching staff," said Stevens.  "Both of them had stellar playing careers here at Valpo and learned what it takes to win championships, knowledge I am hopeful they can help impart on our current players as we defend our league title."

A two-time First Team All-Horizon League honoree, Ichiyama ranks as one of Valpo's all-time best, both at the plate and in the field.  A key cog in the Crusaders' Horizon League champion and NCAA Tournament teams the last two years, she closed out her career second in program history in games played and RBIs, as well as third all-time at Valpo in hits and total bases.  In the field, Ichiyama earned Defensive Player of the Championship honors at the 2012 Horizon League Championship while manning third base, and finished her career as Valpo's career and single-season record holder for assists.

Lagesse was also a two-time All-League honoree during her playing career at Valpo and six times earned Pitcher of the Week honors from the Horizon League office.  She ranks first in Crusader history in both wins and strikeouts, as well as second in games pitched and fourth in ERA.  A two-time member of the league's All-Tournament Team, she set Valpo's single-season wins record as a senior in 2012, including a pair of wins on Championship Saturday of the league tournament to help lead the Crusaders to their first NCAA Tournament berth. Lagesse spent last season serving as a volunteer pitching coach at Saint Joseph's College.