Toledo, Ohio - Ryan Schalk has been hired as an assistant coach for the Toledo softball program, head coach Joe Abraham announced today. Schalk comes from Alverno College where he served as the head coach during the 2018 season.
 
"Toledo is a tremendous university with great people, and for me it's an amazing opportunity to coach softball at a very high level," Schalk said. "I could not be more excited to join an awesome staff and athletic department, and I'm thankful to Joe and those involved in the interview process for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to working with Joe and the rest of our staff to bring Toledo Softball to new heights on and off the field."
 
Schalk joins the program alongside Abraham, who was hired as the head coach in July.
 
"I have known Ryan for several years and watched him do well at Muskegon, Grand Valley State and Alverno," Abraham said. "He is an excellent instructor with a demeanor that will be a good fit for our staff and players. I was looking for a tireless recruiter who loves the game and loves to get out there and work hard. I know Ryan will exceed expectations."
 
In his lone season with the Inferno, Schalk guided the program to 14 overall wins and six Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NACC) victories. Under Schalk, six student-athletes were named NACC Scholar-Athletes as well. The six selections accounted for nearly 25 percent of all of Alverno's selections to the Scholar-Athlete team.
 
Prior to his arrival at Alverno, Schalk was an assistant coach at Grand Valley State for the 2017 season where he helped lead the team to a 33-18 (17-5 GLIAC) record.  The season also featured three first-team all-conference student-athletes as well as the conference Pitcher of the Year.
 
Schalk has also coached at Muskegon Community College, where he was the head coach from 2014-16 as well as the assistant coach from 2008-14.
 
Schalk earned his associate's degree in science and arts from Muskegon Community College in 2008 before receiving his bachelor's degree in physical education from Grand Valley State in 2014. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in education with a focus on educational leadership.