diversity, equity & inclusion resources

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)

MLB Official Sponsorship Initiatives

MLB Official Sponsorship DEI Initiatives
The leader in the bat-ball industry, MLB has paved the way for baseball innovation and looks to contribute to the growth of softball, playing a significant role in the NFCA’s continued commitment to its educational and DEI platforms.

  • MLB is the title sponsor of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Gatherings at NFCA Conventions. It’s a forum for coaches to discuss various topics, ask questions, share information or just listen to best practices on diversity and inclusion as well as helping student-athletes thrive as valued members of their teams.
  • All head coaches from Historically Black Colleges or Universities receive a NFCA Membership for the 2024 calendar year.
  • One HBCU head coach receives a full scholarship to attend the 2024 Convention through MLB. The inaugural recipient of the HBCU Scholarship was Larry Young from Harris-Stowe State University, who attended the 2023 Convention in Louisville, Ky.

NFCA Forums

Educate to Elevate - Juneteenth

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)
Learn alongside the panelists as they discuss their experiences navigating a multigenerational workplace.

Featuring: Dr. Bea Bourne (Purdue), Jo Evans (Texas A&M), Nikki Palmer (UC Riverside), Janae Shirley (ETBU)

Educate to Elevate - Continuing the Converstation on Race: A Call to Action

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)

Educate to Elevate - Creating an Inclusive Culture

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)

Educate to Elevate - Dismantling Racism and Understanding Privilege

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)

Educate to Elevate - Leading with Intention to Normalize Diversity in Softball

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)

Educate to Elevate - Powered by Inclusion

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)

Black Athletes Through the Decades (with the Alliance)

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 Podcasts

NFCA Scholarships

DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED BY THE ELLA SPORTS FOUNDATION
The scholarship, created by the NFCA’s Diversity Committee, is awarded to a minority member coach who shows a commitment to working with minorities and growing the game of fastpitch in their communities and has a need for financial assistance to attend the Convention. Learn more about the Ella Sports Foundation.Ella Sports Foundation.

APPLY HERE

HBCU SCHOLARSHIP
The HBCU Scholarship, presented in partnership with Major League Baseball, is awarded to a current Historically Black College or University (HBCU) coach who has a desire and need for financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention.

APPLY HERE

NATASHA WATLEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
The scholarship, created by the NFCA’s Diversity Committee, is awarded to a minority member coach who shows a commitment to working with minorities and growing the game of fastpitch in their communities and has a need for financial assistance to attend the Convention.

APPLY HERE

NFCA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
NFCA members can apply for a scholarship to attend the National Convention. NFCA Scholarships provide means to travel, stay, & learn at the National Convention. Below is a complete list of all the scholarships offered by the Association. Learn more by visiting your Coach's Box today.

NFCA Scholarships
Diversity Scholarship
Mary Nutter Scholarship
Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship
HBCU Scholarship, presented in partnership with Major League Baseball
Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change
Wade J. Bruggeman Memorial Scholarship for High School Coaches

VIEW SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

NFCA Video Vault

A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth (2021 Convention)

Learn how coaches influence, shape, and drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within their programs during this session led by Kamal Carter and Kyle Williams.

Maximizing Success with Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | Kirk Walker (UCLA)
Diversity & Inclusion Panel (Virtual Convention)

Peer Recommended Resources

ELLA Sports Foundation

“ELLA,” (EYA) is Spanish for “Her” and stands for Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes.

ELLA’s mission is to support young female Latinas to become leaders of tomorrow through sports and academic excellence. The ELLA foundation works on developing leadership in Latina athletes through education, training, mentorship, and advocacy in the sports community. Learn more about the Ella Sports Foundation.Ella Sports Foundation.

VISIT WEBSITE

NCAA Office of Inclusion

Mission: We lead, advance and educate on diversity, equity and inclusion to foster belonging and well-being across intercollegiate athletics.

Vision: To be the national diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility leader that transforms intercollegiate athletics cultures and structures by engaging, education and empowering the Association.

VISIT WEBSITE

Return On Inclusion™ (ROI) is a sport-specific diversity and inclusion learning platform dedicated to developing inclusive leaders in college and high school athletics. The self-paced modules standardize learning methods to ensure coaches, athletic administrators, and support staff develop the competencies necessary to support student-athletes across social and cultural differences. ROI partnered with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) which endorsed ROI for athletic department-wide use across the country.

VISIT WEBSITE

RISE

RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.

VISIT WEBSITE

EDUCATIONAL MODULES

DIGITAL LEARNING SERIES

You Can Play Project

The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans. We achieve this by creating a community of allies that is able to foster a true sense of belonging. This becomes possible when sports teams sharpen the focus on the person’s skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by developing a culture of respect, in every player, coach and fan.

You Can Play offers virtual, online, and self-paced Inclusive coaching sessions.The course is discounted at $25 per coach and offers certification.

VISIT WEBSITE

COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW

  • Larry Young
  • DEI MLB
  • MLB Playball D1
  • Justin Burns
  • ELLA Sports Foundation
  • Convention Batting Cage
  • Prairie View
  • Maryvale
  • Kirk Walker
  • Bridgette Quimpo
  • Geoff Hirai
  • MLB PlayBall NAIA
  • Kelly Inouye
  • Now-Allah James
  • Utah Pride

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 7,000 coaches today.

 

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