Arion, Graves join Fresno State softball staff

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State head softball coach Stacy May-Johnson announced the additions of two assistant coaches to the Bulldogs' staff in Whitney Arion and Shelby Graves.

"I am extremely excited to add Whitney and Shelby to our staff," May-Johnson said. "These two women know what it takes to be a champion and will guide our student-athletes to be the best. Most importantly they are high character individuals who will be tremendous ambassadors for Fresno State softball and role models for our student-athletes. I consider myself blessed to be able to walk alongside these two daily."

Both Arion and Graves coached with May-Johnson at Utah Valley University. Arion will serve as the hitting coach, while Graves will be the team's pitching coach.

Arion spent one season with the Wolverines after spending the previous five seasons on staff at Eastern Kentucky University, where she coached alongside May-Johnson in 2018 and 2019. The 2018 team won 45 games and an Ohio Valley Conference championship.

During her time at EKU, the Colonels totaled 166 wins and were off to a 22-2 start before the abrupt end to the 2020 season. The 2018 EKU team was one of the top power-hitting teams in the country and averaged 1.32 home runs per game, fifth best in the nation. During her five-year stint in Richmond, Ky., several EKU hitters entered the program's record books and were ranked among the national leaders in several categories including the 2018 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, Paige Murphy.

Prior to joining the Eastern Kentucky coaching staff, Arion enjoyed a standout career at the University of Louisville, where she helped lead the Cardinals to the NCAA Tournament in each of her four seasons. She was All-Atlantic Coast Conference four times, including a first-team All-ACC Team member as a senior -- a season in which May-Johnson was an assistant coach for the Cardinals in 2015.

Arion, a Delphi, Ind. native, also played professionally in the summers of 2015 and 2016 with the Pennsylvania Rebellion in the National Pro Fastpitch League. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Louisville and a master's degree from Eastern Kentucky in physical education.

"I'm extremely humbled to have what truly is an opportunity of a lifetime," Arion said. "Fresno State is home to the greatest tradition in the history of college softball with facilities, fans, and a winning culture that is unparalleled. I'm excited to come alongside Stacy May-Johnson in leading and building up these amazing, talented young ladies. Lastly, I'm above and beyond ready to give the community and the legends that blazed the trail before us their next championship. Go 'Dogs!"

Graves spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Utah Valley University, with a brief stint as the interim head coach in 2020.

Prior to coming to UVU, Graves was on staff at Kansas Wesleyan University where she served as the interim head coach, assistant coach and graduate assistant, from 2016-18. While there, Graves helped coach Kansas Wesleyan to a conference championship while also coaching five first-team All-KCAC selections, three second-team honorees, six who were named honorable mention all-conference, and one gold glove winner.

Graves is a 2015 graduate of Florida International University where she was named Sun Belt All-Conference team as a pitcher. She received her bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management from FIU and later earned an MBA from Kansas Wesleyan.

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity to join the Bulldog softball family and the entire Fresno State community," Graves said. "Most of all, I am incredibly thankful to continue my coaching career under Stacy May-Johnson, one of the absolute best leaders, coaches and hearts in this game. This program has a rich history of tradition and championship mentality. I am so humbled to be part of it."

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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Arion, Graves join Fresno State softball staff

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