LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association is proud to announce the top 25 finalists for the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year award, which will be presented prior to the start of the 2015 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.
This year’s 25 finalists hail from 23 different universities, while the group represents 12 Division I leagues across the nation, ranging coast-to-coast, from New York to California. Alabama and LSU out of the Southeastern Conference each boast two finalists.
The SEC led the way with eight overall selections. The Pac-12 and the Southland Conference each had three representatives, while the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Sun Belt garnered two honorees apiece. The BIG EAST, Big Ten, Big West, Colonial Athletic Association and Ohio Valley all had one selection.
On Thurs., May 7, the list will be trimmed down to the top 10 finalists, while the top 3 finalists will be selected and released on Thurs., May 21. In its second year, the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year trophy will be presented during a live ceremony on May 26 prior to the opening of the annual Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
About the NFCA
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches for all competitive levels of play. Founded in the early 1980s by collegiate softball coaches, today the organization also includes high school coaches, travel ball/club coaches and individuals who support the sport. Founded by coaches for coaches, the Association is built on strong values and continually instills within its members a deep sense of responsibility for developing programs that enrich the lives of all those involved.
In addition, the Association provides educational training; encourages sportsmanship and high standards of competition; promotes the sport both nationally and internationally; identifies and pursues issues relevant to the fastpitch coaching profession and provides a forum to discuss those issues; honors excellence through awards programs for coaches and players, and keeps members informed of current coaching techniques, equipment innovations and fastpitch news.