LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University softball head coach Beth Krysiak has announced the hiring of Mel Savala as the program's assistant coach. The hire is Krysiak's first with Saint Francis after she was announced as the 13th head coach in program history on Aug. 8.
 
"I want to thank coach Krysiak for this opportunity to coach alongside her with this team," said Savala. "Having played for her and now coach with her is a unique experience we are both excited for. We have an incredible group who is ready to continue building success in this program and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
 
Savala joins Saint Francis after she sept the 2023 season at NCAA Division II member Wingate University, where the Bulldogs held a 48-17 overall record. She assisted the program to its first regular season title since 2009. Wingate advanced to the 2023 NCAA Super Regionals after winning the Southeast Regional.
 
Prior to Wingate, Savala sept three seasons at NCAA Division III member Millsaps College from 2020-22. In 2022, she assisted the Majors to an 11-7 conference record, its most wins since 2017, which included a series victory over nationally ranked Berry College.
 
During her coaching career, Savala has assisted in running outfield and hitting sessions, planning and organizing drills, watching film and building scouting reports, among other responsibilities.
 
"Mel has always had a love for the game that is electric to be around, and I am excited to have her passion and knowledge as a part of our staff," said Krysiak. "She is going to be an integral part of our future success."
 
Savala spend four years at Division III member University of Dallas, where she set a career record with 156 games played and single-game record with five stolen bases. She was a 2016 All-SCAC and a 2018-19 All-SCAC Academic selection in her career. Savala played her first three seasons from 2016-18 under coach Krysiak.
 
Saint Francis has two weekends remaining in its fall schedule at Lock Haven on Sept. 30 and Pitt on Oct. 8 before looking ahead at the 2024 season.