LOUISVILLE, Ky. – NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman with the support of the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Joanna Lane as the Association’s Director of Education and Program Development.
Lane, a 14-year softball coaching veteran, joins the NFCA staff after serving five years as an assistant coach at Central Michigan University and will assume her post as the Director of Education and Program Development on Sept. 1.
In her new position, Lane will assess and design training and education resources for fastpitch coaches as well as develop performance standards and certification processes to evaluate coaching techniques. She will serve as the Association’s liaison with other fastpitch organizations and communities, while also acting as the Division I liaison and overseeing all major award processes. In addition, Lane will be responsible for the development of the annual convention schedule and curriculum.
“I would like to thank Carol Bruggeman, the NFCA staff, and Board of Directors for this tremendous opportunity,” said Lane. “The NFCA and its current leadership have gone above and beyond to serve the membership and provide many resources to coaches at all levels.”
Lane is no stranger to the NFCA. As an active member of the Association, she most recently served as the Fourth Vice President and chair of the Ethics Committee. She previously was on the Education and Publications and the Coaching Education committees.
“I am looking forward to being able to work on behalf of all coaches who are a part of the NFCA in continuing to expand and enhance our educational offering,” Lane said. “Having coached and played at various levels, the NFCA has always been a point of connection for professionals throughout the softball landscape. It is truly a privilege to join the NFCA in an effort to grow the sport of softball.”
Lane has held head coaching positions at South Dakota State (2008-12) and Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga. (2003-05) and an assistant coaching spot at Northern Illinois University (2005-08). During her time in Macon, she also served as the Director of Student-Athlete Development.
“From the beginning of our national search, Joanna emerged as our top candidate,” Bruggeman said. “She has a tremendous understanding of the various levels of softball and is driven to provide high-level educational programming to the entire fastpitch community. Joanna brings years of coaching experience and an unparalleled passion for the sport. Her impact on the NFCA will be felt immediately. Joanna is a life-long learner who will give her best efforts to help our sport continue to thrive and grow. We are thrilled to welcome her to the NFCA Team.”
A native of Circleville, Ohio, Lane enjoyed a four-year playing career at Georgetown (Ky.) College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 2002. She graduated with a master’s degree in sport management from Florida State in 2003, where she served as a graduate assistant under NFCA Hall of Famer Dr. JoAnne Graf.
Lane and her husband, John Ratliff, are the proud parents of daughters C.J. and newborn Ellery.
A few words from NFCA President and Hall of Famer, Nebraska head coach Rhonda Revelle
“Joanna is passionate about the game of softball, education, and the NFCA. It seems like a perfect match for her to join the NFCA team and help take the organization to the next level of offerings to our coaches. Joanna will do an outstanding job and work tirelessly for all NFCA members.”