DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics has named Amy Klyse its new head softball coach. A Sacramento native and former Division I head coach, Klyse takes the helm after spending the past 10 seasons as an assistant coach with the Aggies.
"We're excited to have Amy lead UC Davis softball as we enter the Mountain West Conference," said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "She brings valuable head coaching experience, a strong connection with our student-athletes and a deep understanding of our program and UC Davis. Amy has played an important role in the program's recent success, and we have great confidence in her ability to build on that momentum and lead our team into an exciting new chapter."
Klyse joined the UC Davis coaching staff in August 2016 and will enter her 11th season with the Aggies in 2027. Working primarily with the pitching staff, she has played an integral role in the program's development and success.
During the 2026 season, Klyse guided the Aggie pitching staff to a 3.85 combined ERA and four shutouts. UC Davis finished third in the Big West Conference in team ERA.
"I am so excited and honored for the opportunity to be the next UC Davis head softball coach," Klyse said. "I'm particularly grateful and thankful that Rocko and the hiring committee are trusting me to lead UC Davis softball into the Mountain West Conference as part of my new role. We intend to make a statement with our competitive athletic performance as we enter the conference while showcasing our consistent integrity and grit—both on and off the field.
"As a native of Northern California, I deeply appreciate the charm of UC Davis and the surrounding region. This lifelong appreciation, combined with the last 10 years here as an assistant, means I know how special the program, alumni, department and university are. I am thrilled to continue my career here. My vision for this program as incoming head coach is clear—we will achieve excellence while maintaining balance as people, students and athletes."
Before returning to her hometown region, Klyse spent 10 seasons at South Dakota, including nine as the Coyotes' head coach. She successfully guided the program through its transition from Division II to Division I, earned 211 victories and led South Dakota to a Summit League Tournament berth in every season following the transition.
The Coyotes quickly established themselves among the Summit League's top programs. In 2015, South Dakota placed second in the regular-season standings and advanced to the championship game of the conference tournament. The Coyotes finished that season ranked No. 15 nationally in slugging percentage, No. 17 in home runs, No. 27 in batting average and No. 28 in scoring among 289 Division I programs.
Klyse initially joined South Dakota as its pitching coach in 2007 before being elevated to interim head coach the following year. The university removed the interim designation following the 2008 season.
Under Klyse's leadership, 21 Coyotes earned all-conference recognition, including eight All-Summit League selections. Two student-athletes also received National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region honors.
Her program also excelled academically, posting a top-20 team grade-point average among Division I programs for four consecutive years. Sixteen Coyotes earned NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors, while three received College Sports Communicators Academic All-America recognition. In 2015, the NCAA presented South Dakota with a Public Recognition Award after the program posted an Academic Progress Rate among the top 10 percent nationally in the sport.
Klyse began her coaching career as the pitching coach at her alma mater, Augustana, shortly after graduating with a degree in communications in 2003.
As a student-athlete, Klyse concluded her career as Augustana's all-time leader in wins and strikeouts with 89 and 682, respectively. Those totals currently rank second and third in program history, while her 1.21 career ERA remains the fifth lowest in school history.
