SAN FRANCISCO — McKinsey Thorpe has joined the San Francisco State softball coaching staff ahead of the 2023 season, announced Head Coach Alicia Reid. Thorpe comes to the Golden Gators after spending the last six years at Concordia University Irvine both as a student-athlete and coach.

"We are very excited to welcome McKinsey to our program. Her experience at one of the top Division II softball programs has more than prepared her for stepping into this position to help strengthen our program," said Reid. "She brings an extensive knowledge of the game and skill sets that will support our student-athletes in reaching their goals to become successful young adults."

During the 2022 season, Thorpe served as a graduate assistant coach for CUI. Thorpe took on a variety of different roles, including managing academic advising meetings, overseeing strength and conditioning, assisting with skills development on the field, and recruiting. After starting the season with a 36-0 record and sixth-longest undefeated start to a season in NCAA Division II history, CUI advanced all the way to the West Regional final and finished the season at 46-10.

"I am super grateful to join SF State. I am excited to get to work and bring my own experience at the Division II level to help these student-athletes succeed on and off the field," said Thorpe. "Coach Reid has a strong and competitive program that is young and eager to compete. I am thrilled to support these student-athletes alongside her as we prepare for this upcoming season."

Thorpe had an illustrious career for the Golden Eagles from 2017-21. The second baseman earned All-PacWest First Team Honors in 2019 and 2021. She became the first CUI player in school history to be named PacWest Player of the Year in 2021 and was also named NFCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region that season. A five-time Academic All-PacWest honoree, Thorpe was named the 2022 PacWest Softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Her name graces the pages of the CUI record book in several categories including games played (second), games started (second), walks (second), stolen bases (second), and double plays turned (third).

Thorpe recently earned her MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration and has a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management and minor in coaching. While in undergrad, Thorpe served as the president and director of communications of the Sports Management Club.

A Bay Area native, Thorpe attended Archbishop Mitty High School.