STARKVILLE, Miss. – The coaching staff of Cypress led by head coach Brad Pickler and assisted by Dennis Blas, Amanda Fernandez, Mike Hicks, Frank Mendoza and Mandy Rockwell have been named as the 2011 NFCA Cal JC National Coaching Staff of the Year, the Association announced Tuesday. 

The Chargers captured their second state title in as many years this season to increase their overall total to seven Cal JC crowns under Pickler. The back-to-back championships marks the first time that Cypress has accomplished that feat since the 1998-1999 seasons. 

Pickler and his staff piloted the Chargers to a 42-8 overall record in 2011 and led them to their 10th consecutive Orange Empire Conference championship. Cypress also extended its state “elite eight” appearance streak to 22 this season and have only failed to advance that far just twice in the 24 year tenure of Pickler. 

On the field, the Chargers were led by 2011 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American outfielder Brianne Webster who hit .448 on the year and drove in 50 runs. 

Other regional winners this season were: 


North Region – College of San Mateo

Head Coach: Nicole Borg 
Assistant Coaches: Dale Bassman, Denise Fabris, Toby Garza & Michelle Tating 

The Bulldogs turned in a 28-14 record this season en route to a super regional appearance. The 10th-seeded Bulldogs knocked off 7th-seeded Shasta in the opening round of the play-offs by rallying from a game down to win the best-of-three series. Helping lead San Mateo this season was 2011 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American Alyssa Jepsen who hit .435 on the year and stole 18 bases. 


South Region – Santa Barbara City College

Head Coach: Paula Congleton 
Assistant Coaches: Bill Hilliard & Allison Slade 

Santa Barbara City had another good outing in 2011, going 31-7 on the year and advancing to the state play-offs. The Vaqueros also claimed their first Western State Conference Gold Division title this year and placed pitcher Kailey Snyder on this Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American team. For the season, Snyder was 27-4 with a 0.94 ERA and 233 strikeouts over 199 innings.