SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State softball head coach Ricci Woodard has announced the addition of former Team USA pitcher and professional standout Alyssa Denham as the program's new pitching coach.

One of the nation's most accomplished pitchers during her career, Denham brings experience at the collegiate, professional and international levels to San Marcos and was a former NFCA All-American at Arizona and also a Team USA gold medalist.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Alyssa to our softball family," said Woodard. "She has competed and succeeded at every level of our sport, and our pitchers are going to benefit tremendously from her knowledge, work ethic and passion. Alyssa understands what it takes to perform on the biggest stages, and she's a perfect fit for the culture we're continuing to build here at Texas State. We can't wait to see the impact she'll have on our program."

Denham arrives in San Marcos after competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and AUX professional leagues. A two-time AU Pro Softball medalist, she led the league in wins and ERA during the 2022 season. In 2023, she posted a league-best 7-1 record and 1.51 ERA, becoming the first player in league history to earn medalist honors in consecutive seasons. She was selected by the Volts in the second round of the 2026 AUSL Allocation Draft.

On the international stage, Denham represented Team USA at the 2022 WBSC Pan American Championship, helping lead the United States to the gold medal while earning a victory in the circle.

A native of Alvin, Texas, Denham concluded her collegiate career at Arizona as one of the Wildcats' most decorated pitchers. After beginning her career at Louisiana, where she was named the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, she transferred to Arizona and developed into an All-American following her final campaign. During her time with the Wildcats, Denham compiled a 52-18 career record with a 1.92 ERA, struck out 367 batters in 438 innings and tossed three career no-hitters. She earned NFCA Third Team All-America honors in 2021, was an NFCA All-West Region First Team selection and received multiple All-Pac-12 accolades.

Denham helped Arizona advance to the NCAA postseason in three of her four seasons, only missing out during the 2020 season when competition was cancelled during the COVID-19 and the Wildcats posted a 22-3 record. In 2018, Arizona made a super regional appearance and advanced to the Women's College World Series in 2019 and 2021.