NFCA DEI STATEMENT
The NFCA is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play. With “Respect” as one of the pillars in our Diamond of Ethics, we are committed to promoting inclusivity in our sport and to treating each other with the highest regard in our words and actions. We support diversity in our membership through education and awareness, as we seek to understand the biases and stigmas that exist and work together to remove these from our game. Equity and inclusion remain a focus for the NFCA and we will strive for the sport of softball to be a place where all feel welcome and a sense of belonging.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee was formed as part of the NFCA’s ongoing commitment to inclusion. With intention, thoughtfulness, and a coordinated approach, the DEI Committee’s charge is to identify the systemic inequities that may exist within the softball community so they can ultimately be addressed and improved. It is our hope, through this committee we can continue to promote inclusivity and give further voice to underrepresented groups within our organization and our sport.
DEI RESOURCES
(CLICK THE BANNERS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION)
NFCA Forums
An open collaboration on how to enhance and grow opportunities for underrepresented members of the softball community. Learn how your program can help advance coaching diversity and access.
Featuring: Melvin Jenkins (Tyler HS), Tyra Perry (Illinois), Jessie Scroggins, Cat Tarvin (North Carolina Central)
Open discussion regarding the social justice movement. Our first forum touched on the current climate and the experiences of Black coaches and administrators. This forum addresses action items coaches can take back to their team and communities to enact real change.
Featuring: Cam Fenton (TCU), DJ Johnson (Rock Valley College), Veronica Nelson (Cal), Dorian Shaw (Purdue), Samantha Ricketts (Mississippi State)
Focused on creating an inclusive culture for the LGBTQ+ community within your program. Panelists share their experiences and expertise through open dialogue.
Featuring: Pat Conlan (Georgetown), Christian Conrad (Florida State), Dr. Meg Hancock (Louisville), Amanda Scott (UMSL), Brandi Stuart (UCF), Kirk Walker (UCLA)
Open forum about the social justice movement in our country, and how coaches can initiate the discussion with their team, staff, and administration.
Featuring: Charmelle Green (Penn State), Now-Allah James (NYU), Tyra Perry (Illinois), Tori Tyson (Howard), Olivia Watkins (Boston College), Veronica Wiggins (Florida A&M)
An open collaboration on how to enhance and grow opportunities for underrepresented members of the softball community.
Featuring: Monica Harrison (Carnegie Mellon), Melissa Inouye (Fordham), Now-Allah James (NYU), Sharonda McDonald (Campbell), Tyra Perry (Illinois), Tori Tyson (Howard), Kevin White (Associate A.D. for Sports Programs, James Madison)
This Educate to Elevate reflects the importance of ensuring that people with all disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement.
Featuring: Justen Burns (Gallaudet), Christy Connoyer (Saint Louis), Dr. Jo Dell R. Heroux (Central Michigan), Taylor McQuillin (Team Mexico), Cat Osterman (Team USA)
The Alliance Fastpitch co-hosted its first history series panel with the NFCA, titled Black Athletes Through the Decades in Softball. LSU All American and the first female Gold Glove Winner A.J. Andrews served as the moderator. The panel represented Black women who paved the way for the next generation of Black softball players with over six decades of experience including Olympic gold medals, National Champions, and All-Americans.
NFCA Digital Education Library
Learn how coaches influence, shape, and drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within their programs during this session led by Kamal Carter and Kyle Williams.
NFCA Podcasts
Outside Organizations & Workshops
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded online educational platforms, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from awards and scholarships, to a comprehensive digital education library and a National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining over 6,500 coaches today.
