Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

A three-time first-team All-PSAC performer, Kristen Tunno was a major contributor as an outfielder to the two winningest softball teams in IUP history.

Tunno had an immediate impact as an IUP freshman, leading the Crimson Hawks in batting average (.341) and earning first-team all-conference honors. She again led IUP in hitting in 2009—her .390 average is tied for 10th-best in school history—and earned the first of her three second-team Daktronics, D2 Conference Commissioners Association and National Fastpitch Coaches Association all-region honors.

The program took off in Tunno’s last two years, both under coach Bill Graham. The 2010 squad went 38-12 to set a school record for wins, qualified for the PSAC Tournament and was selected to participate in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region playoffs. She finished that season with a .377 average.

IUP went 38-8 a year later, set a still-standing school record for winning percentage (.826) and captured its first PSAC championship. Tunno had two hits as the Crimson Hawks defeated West Chester 7-2 in the title game.

The Hawks then won the Atlantic Region championship and advanced to their first—and only—NCAA Division II College World Series in Salem, Va. They were eliminated with consecutive losses to North Georgia and Midwestern State (Texas). Tunno hit .373 that year.

She ranks fourth all-time in career batting average (.370)—Tunno was No. 1 when she wrapped up her IUP career—and is sixth in hits (192), tied for 11th in triples (6) and 14th in doubles (30).

She also played one season of volleyball at IUP as an outside hitter

Tunno, who earned a BS degree in sport management from IUP in 2011, added a master’s in business administration from American Public University in 2014.

Tunno coached the Glenville State University (W.Va.) softball team from 2016 to 2020 and finished with 84 wins, the second most in school history. She is currently a senior woman administrator, senior lecturer of business at Glenville State.

Tunno and her husband, Richard Ratliff, reside in Glenville with their children, Audrey, 10, and John, 7.
 

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Personal Reflection

I am deeply honored to be selected for the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame and sincerely grateful to the selection committee for this recognition. So many outstanding athletes have been inducted before me, and it is both a privilege and a humbling experience to join the ranks of those who have represented IUP with such distinction over the years.

As I reflect on this honor, I am reminded of the many coaches, teammates and family members whose encouragement, support and belief in me made this achievement possible. This induction is as much a tribute to their dedication and sacrifices as it is to my own accomplishments. I would especially like to thank my teammates, whose commitment, determination and work ethic continually challenged and inspired me.

I would like to give a special shout out to a few of my coaches, Dena and Kevin Montini, Ali Ferrari and Coach Graham. Each of you helped create a truly special athletic environment that shaped me not only as a softball player but also as a person. Your guidance, encouragement and support have meant more than I can put into words. I am incredibly grateful for everything you have done for me, both on and off the field, and I will always carry the lessons you taught me throughout my life.

Jesse Skiles, thank you for this nomination and for your countless years of support from coach to administrator and professor at Glenville State University. The positive and encouraging environment you have fostered as our athletic director is something I will always be grateful for. Your leadership, guidance and belief in your student-athletes, coaches and administrators have made a lasting impact on my experience.

Finally, and most importantly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents. Their tireless hard work, countless sacrifices and unwavering love and support have been the foundation of every opportunity I have had. They have encouraged me through challenges, celebrated my successes and continually believed in me even when I doubted myself. This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine, and I am profoundly thankful for everything they have done to help me reach this moment.

My time at IUP and the opportunity to compete as a member of both the softball and volleyball teams were among the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. The friendships, lessons and opportunities I gained during my years as a student-athlete have had a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally.

I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to be inducted into the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame, and I am humbled to be recognized alongside so many outstanding athletes and individuals who have contributed to the proud tradition of IUP athletics.