Coach Grahn inducted into State Hall of Fame

Posted February 9, 2026

When Gale Grahn came to Plymouth High School in 1988 to take a job as a social studies teacher, he was surprised to find that the school – along with most others in the area – did not offer softball.

So he joined forces with PHS science teacher Paul Krzyzaniak, and in 1991 they fielded the first team. “We wanted to give girls another option for a sport in the spring, as track and field was the only spring sport for them at that time,” Coach Grahn recalled. “I thought if we could start it here, it would get other schools to add softball as well. And it did – over the next few years, all the schools in the area started the sport.”

Coach Grahn’s vision and leadership were recognized Feb. 6 when he was inducted into the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame at a ceremony in the Wisconsin Dells.

“This recognition is a group award, as I owe huge thank-yous to all my coaches, both current and former, parents, players, school administration, my family, and the Plymouth community,” he said. “Everyone's support of the PHS Softball program has helped make it what it is today.”

His career record so far is 417-241, including eight Regional Championships, two Sectional Championships, and two State Tournament appearances, in 2006 and 2012. The 2006 team was D2 State Runner-up.

But Coach Grahn focuses on more than stats. “We always want to have a winning program, and most of the years we have, but we also want to provide players with lasting experiences,” he said, noting that the team has taken a dozen out-of-state trips over the years, including three to each Florida and St. Louis, two to Nashville, and others to Louisville, Chicago, San Antonio, and Hawaii. Each trip included a chance to play softball, of course, but also incorporated exploration of the area’s history.

Coach Grahn retired from teaching in 2018, after 30 years at PHS, though he still fills in as a substitute teacher. But he has continued as PHS Softball head coach – he and Coach Krzyzaniak are about to begin their 33rd year with the team.

He originally thought he might coach the team until his daughters graduated (in 2007 and 2009). “But then each year a new group of girls would come into the program, and I just wanted to keep coaching and working with them,” he said. “I really enjoy establishing relationships with the players, their parents, and families.”

The Plymouth School District Board of Education named the PHS softball complex Gale Grahn Fields in 2013, in appreciation of his dedication to softball in Plymouth.

He has coached in the WFSCA Senior All-Star Game 3 times (2002, 2007, and 2023), along with serving as a conference representative to the WFSCA for more than 20 years. He has been named conference Coach of the Year six times, and has coached 66 First-Team All-Conference players and 6 All-State players.

He also started the youth softball program in Plymouth in 1993, and coached all levels of youth teams for more than 20 years. For his dedication to the youth program, he was inducted into the Plymouth Youth Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

In addition, he has coached football for all 38 years that he has been in Plymouth, serving as varsity offensive coordinator for the past 19 years. He also was a WIAA basketball official for more 30 years, and served as PHS athletic director from 2015-18.

Kevin Butters , current PHS activities director, noted that Coach Grahn has made a huge impact on Plymouth students, programs, and the community. “He is genuine and puts kids first in everything he does,” Mr. Butters said. “As a former student and athlete of Gale’s, I am extremely grateful for his guidance, leadership, and friendship over the years. This honor is well deserved and couldn’t go to a better person!”

PHS Principal Joe Brandl agreed. “What makes Coach Grahn special, beyond the coaching background, is that he is a friendly face that always represents Plymouth well,” he said. “We are fortunate that Gale has committed so many years to PHS in and out of the classroom.”

Learn more:
• Visit the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame webpage.