Rohlf takes over PSF softball program

For the last four seasons, Alex Rohlf served as an assistant coach with the Penn State Fayette softball program.

But now, after cutting her teeth with the team and also as the director and founder of the Reapers Travel softball organization that is based out of Uniontown, Rohlf has been hired to take over the Fayette softball program and is looking to hit the ground running.

"Taking over a program is something that will come with many challenges," she said. "Change is hard for everyone, but I truly think I can bring in a culture in which the program can thrive.  For me, I am grateful that I have been around the program for the past four seasons, so that helps in the learning curve a bit.  I have come to really love this campus and program, and I am honored to be the one selected to take over at the helm."

Fayette Interim Director of Athletics is enthusiastic to see what Rohlf will do with the team.

"We're excited to see Coach Rohlf carry the program forward, having previously served as assistant coach for the past four years," he said.  "Her new position as head coach is one that brings fluidity and a shared vision for the direction of the softball program."

A standout out shortstop and pitcher at Uniontown High School who played at Juniata College until an injury ended her career, Rohlf is hitting the ground running.

"Being that we are so close to the start of our fall season, my first goal is to get the team excited for what is to come," she said.  "I want our ladies to be excited about playing softball again.  This is a new chapter in Penn State Fayette softball, and I want them to be excited to get to write that for themselves. Getting everyone bought in to the new system (is important) and (getting them) ready to compete at the level I know (is vital)."

What goals does Rohlf have for this year?

"My goal for this year is to get the Fayette softball team back to the top of the PSUAC," she said.  "I want to get back to the playoffs and contend for the (conference) championship, as well as qualify for the USCAA tournament.  With the core of players we have, plus the new athletes coming in, I believe those goals are obtainable.  I want to push our team to achieve at their highest potential and look to bring the first PSUAC softball championship to this campus."

While Rohlf is still in the process od hiring an assistant, she already has expectations for the team.

"I have high expectations going into this season," she said without hesitation.  "Anyone who follows our program knows that we have had great success in the past and last year was a bit of a down season.  We faced many challenges coming off the pandemic and did not have the season any of us had hoped for.  We have a very strong returning core of players along with a large 2021 recruiting class that I believe can make an immediate impact."

The team finished 3-21 this past season.

With an experienced nucleus coming back and a talented class enrolled, Rohlf knows what direction she is going in terms of her philosophy and approach.

"As a coach, I never claim to know everything about the game.  I am learning each and every day and I want my athletes to have that same outlook.  I am open-minded to new things and techniques and evolve to the situations around me. I am so excited to begin this journey as the head coach at Penn State Fayette and I expect many great things to come very soon."

Written by Bill Hughes