Calynn Gicante begins her softball coaching journey at St. Mary’s in the 2026 season, joining Head Coach Taylor Lira from Sterling College.
 
Gicante spent one season at Sterling, helping the Lady Warriors reach the NCCAA World Series Semifinals in 2025 with a program record 37 wins (37-19) and a spot in the KCAC Tournament. She helped four players earn NCCAA All-Central Region honors, including Bryley Westfahl, who transferred to StMU with the staff, and Mariah Cunningham, who was named the Central Region Player of the Year.
 
Gicante played four seasons at Illinois College, starting in 101 games. She increased her offensive production every season, hitting .390 with a .537 slugging percentage as a senior. She ended her time with 102 hits, 61 RBI, 27 doubles, 24 walks, and five stolen bases. Gicante also spent time in the circle for the Lady Blues her last two seasons, pitching 37.1 innings, mostly in relief, with one save and a 4.88 ERA. She earned Second-Team All-Midwest Conference honors as a senior at first base, after earning First-Team Utility honors as a junior. She helped IC win three conference championships and two regular-season titles in her four years.
 
She is a native of St. Louis, graduating from Illinois College in May 2024 with a degree in sports management and marketing.