Former All-American Stramaglia returns to her Triton roots as a coach

Alyssa Stramaglia could be the most conflicted coach in JUCO softball.

In her first year as Triton College softball pitching coach, perhaps the greatest pitcher in Trojans' history likely could still go out there and strike out the majority of hitters. Still in shape in her mid-20s, she's just a few years older than her pitchers. Competitive fires are hard to douse.

"It's pretty difficult, but still fun at the same time," ultimate local-girl-made-good Stramaglia said of her divided perspective.

"My competitive spirit wants to still be out there. It's fun and enjoyable to show the girls (the nuances of pitching). I always helped my teammates the same way. Give these girls my energy and my competitiveness. Some are still learning."

Trojans head coach Ken Jurasz, who has known Stramaglia since coaching her in youth leagues in her native Melrose Park, believes there is a huge advantage in a "do as I do, not just as I say" pitching coach.

"She's definitely a lead-by-example person," Jurasz said. "She still has the full gamut of pitches. She was showing a changeup grip to Leah (Lowery). She can demonstrate the curve and rise balls and drop balls.  Alyssa's doing a great job."

Throwing every legal pitch, Stramaglia thus had one up on Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax when he returned in his 50s to be the Dodgers' roving minor-league coach. Also in great shape, Koufax actually learned several new pitches beyond his trademark blazing fastball and crackling curve to accurately demonstrate them to his pupils off the mound, not just talk about past glories.

Jurasz had a slam-dunk in bringing back Stramaglia to coach amid a stars-aligned situation. After graduating from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., where she majored in general studies, Stramaglia returned to Triton for another reason – to take the necessary courses to work in the radiology field, likely as an X-ray or MRI technician. Jurasz had an opening for a coach, so a key individual in establishing the Trojans as a regional softball power answered the call.

"One of the best things is she still involved taking classes," Jurasz said. "She can help with the education aspect. She is a Triton alum -- I'm a Trojan through and through. Those girls know what it's to be to be a Trojan."

Stramaglia knows what's it like to be a Trojan softball player like few others. She was the ace of the team that made consecutive NJCAA Division II National Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022. Stramaglia finished her Triton career with a 41-6 record in 57 career appearances.

She struck out a school record 500 batters in her two seasons. Known for her durability, Stramaglia pitched 322 1/3 innings in making 31 starts, throwing 15 complete games and compiling seven shutouts. She earned third-team NJCAA All-America honors in 2021 and second-team All-America in 2022 before moving on to pitch in 25 games in two seasons at Ball State.

When Stramaglia finished her time with the Cardinals, a path in coaching became the logical continuation of an achiever's career.

Stramaglia already serves as head coach of a 16-and-under traveling team. She admits role models for her coaching style are both Jurasz and predecessor Christina Christopher, her Trojans coach.

"I want to keep learning as much as I can," said Stramaglia.  "I can see being a head (high school or college) coach someday."

The physical aspect of demonstrating pitches is important. Stramaglia also can coach her hitters on what to expect from pitchers. But any coach in all sports must also know how to handle all kinds of personalities and confidence issues.

"You deal with the mental side," Stramaglia said. "The day before games, I struggled myself.  I tell them nerves are normal, I got them as well. I tell them what's also good is to have no thoughts on the mound. Just be focused. If you think of everything, you pitch horribly.

"I have a good relationship with players. You have both fun and be serious."

Said Jurasz: "She's learning patience. It's a great maturation process. These girls are starting to take to her."

Stramaglia also is learning time management. In addition to her Triton coaching and academics, and her youth coaching, she works as a server at the Stramaglia family-owned Harlo Grill in Melrose Park. But the goal is to trade tips for a straight salary in radiology once she completes her Triton studies.

"Nursing friends tell me there's always a need for something," Stramaglia said of the often-understaffed medical field. "I'm going through the same classes as nursing (students). I hope to get an internship when I finish."

She'll probably coach somewhere when she's off-duty. And if the truth be known, if there's a pitching mound somewhere and a couple of brave hitters willing to stand in there, Stramaglia will once again go out there to show how missing bats is done.

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)