ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College is pleased to announce McKinsey Thorpe as its new Head Softball Coach. A Bay Area native with a standout record as a player and coach, Thorpe brings elite experience, a winning mentality, and a transformational leadership approach to the Oaks' NCAA Division II softball program.
 

"I'm incredibly honored to be named the Head Softball Coach at Menlo College," said Thorpe. "This program has a bright future, and I'm excited to help shape its next chapter. I'm especially eager to be back in the PacWest Conference, a league known for its tradition, talent, and competitive standard. I look forward to leading this group of student-athletes and supporting their growth both on and off the field."
 

Thorpe's winning pedigree spans every level of the game. She starred at Archbishop Mitty High School, where she helped lead the Monarchs to four straight West Catholic Athletic League titles and three CIF championships, earning All-WCAL First Team, All-CIF First Team, All-Mercury News First Team, and Team MVP honors.
 

At Concordia University Irvine, Thorpe had a standout five-year career (2017–2021) as a second baseman, becoming the program's first-ever PacWest Player of the Year in 2021. She earned NFCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region honors, led CUI in batting average, hits, and stolen bases, and helped the Eagles capture multiple PacWest titles. A five-time Academic All-PacWest honoree, she was named the 2022 PacWest Softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and still ranks among the program's all-time leaders in games played, steals, and walks.
 

After graduation, Thorpe served as a graduate assistant coach at Concordia, contributing to one its most successful seasons in program history. The Eagles opened 2022 with a 36-0 record, the sixth-longest undefeated start in NCAA DII history, and advanced to the West Regional Final. Thorpe's work included academic advising, strength and conditioning oversight, recruiting, and player development for infielders and outfielders.
 

Most recently, Thorpe played a critical role in rebuilding the San Francisco State Gators into a conference contender. Her leadership helped elevate all facets of the program, from skill development and recruiting, to academic support and team culture. In 2023, SFSU completed a remarkable turnaround, earning a postseason berth and capturing their first CCAA Conference Championship in over a decade.
 

"McKinsey Thorpe is a winner at everything," said Keith Spataro, Vice President for Athletics at Menlo College. "As a player, a student, and a coach, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. She comes from strong coaching and championship cultures, so she understands exactly what that looks like and the responsibility required to uphold it. What sets McKinsey apart is her ability to build a lasting culture. She knows how to align values, create accountability, and inspire belief. She's not just here to coach softball but to build something sustainable, competitive, and meaningful."
 

Thorpe holds a BA in Business Administration (Sports Management emphasis) and an MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine.
 

With deep Northern California roots, a championship foundation, and a sharp understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture, McKinsey Thorpe is poised to lead Menlo Softball into a new era of excellence.