LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State head softball coach Kathy Rodolph announced the promotion of Karysta Donisthorpe to assistant coach on Thursday. Donisthorpe served as a volunteer coach during the Aggies' 2019 campaign.
"Karysta was one of the most accomplished pitchers to wear the Crimson and White. She has given up her career path in medicine to pursue coaching and I could not be more thrilled to hire someone of her character, drive and passion for Aggie softball," Rodolph said. "She is completely committed to our culture and principles and is an energy ambassador for that mission."
The former NM State pitcher returned to the City of Crosses during New Mexico State's 2019 season, helping the Aggies to a 33-22 overall record that included wins over Power 5 opponents Cal, North Carolina and then-ranked No. 17 Texas Tech. New Mexico State closed out the regular season with a second place finish in Western Athletic Conference play with a 12-6 conference record.
With Donisthorpe working with the pitchers, the Aggie pitching staff bolstered a 3.42 ERA. WAC Pitcher for the Year Samaria Diaz led the squad with a league-best 228 strikeouts during her 177.0 innings of work. The right-hander also posted a program record seven saves during her junior campaign, which also helped her tie Celisha Walker's career record for saves with 11.
Before joining the NM State coaching staff in 2019, Donisthorpe served as an assistant coach in charge of pitching at Farmington High School. The 2016 graduate from New Mexico State was the first base coach during games and also provided the pitch calls to her players. She also helped with various drills for outfielders as well as workouts for pitchers.
A two-time all-conference pitcher for the Aggies, Donisthorpe left a legacy at NM State following her senior season in 2016. She currently ranks third in career strikeouts (524) and appearances (149) while also ranking fourth in win (55). She was named the Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week seven times in her career and collected WAC All-Tournament honors following the conference tournament during her senior campaign.
