RIVER FALLS, Wis. – UW-River Falls softball head coach Ethan Giese announced the additions of Mady Bunnell, Alicia Blake, and Chad Visger to the 2026 coaching staff. 

Mady Bunnell, a UWRF Softball alumna (2015-17), joins the staff as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Most recently, she spent two seasons at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (2023-25), where she helped guide the Mountain Lions to their most successful campaign in a decade. UCCS earned a national top-25 offensive ranking and a third-place finish in the RMAC, driven by significant progress in hitting and catching performance.

"Mady is someone that is highly coveted and would be wanted by any head coach in the entire country, and we are fortunate to have her back at her alma mater," said Giese. "The experience and success she's had in her coaching career is evident as she has already made a tremendous impact with the team. Not only has she made an impact on the field, but her knowledge and connections with recruiting are elite and will pay dividends."

Alicia Blake, joining the staff as an assistant coach, was a four-year starting catcher for the University of Washington Huskies softball team from 2006-09. During her collegiate career, she helped lead the Huskies to two Women's College World Series appearances, finishing third as a sophomore and capturing the National Championship as a senior. She has coaching experience at Coeur d'Alene High School (Idaho) and as the pitching and catching coach at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. She has been providing softball instruction for over 15 years and continues to share her expertise through private lessons.

"Alicia has a wealth of knowledge from both her playing and coaching experience, Giese commented. "Her presence has already elevated the program's competitiveness. Her experience, attention to detail, and ability to build authentic relationships make her an invaluable addition to Falcon Softball."

Chad Visger joins the staff as the Director of Softball Operations. He brings more than eight years of girls' fastpitch coaching experience, including service as an assistant coach at River Falls High School (2023–25), an instructor and coach at Impact Sports Academy (2023–present), and Director of Player and Coach Development for River Falls Youth Softball (2022–present).

"Chad's ability to drive connections and outreach has already been felt on and off the field," said Giese. "His value is something that will be a trendsetter among Division III softball programs."

The 2025 Falcon Softball program, under the direction of first-year head coach Ethan Giese, turned in the program's most wins in six seasons, compiling 19 wins including a victory over nationally ranked UW-Oshkosh.