LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA is pleased to announce Nicole Bayona, first-year head coach at Clark Atlanta University, as the 2024 recipient of the Association’s HBCU Scholarship presented in partnership with Major League Baseball.
Reviewed and voted on by the NFCA Awards Committee. the scholarship is awarded to a current Historically Black College or University (HBCU) coach who has a desire and need for financial assistance, which includes Convention Registration, $700 in travel reimbursement and up to four nights at the Convention’s host hotel, to attend the NFCA National Convention. Bayona will receive funding to attend the 2024 NFCA National Convention, Dec. 4-7 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas.
“Attending the NFCA Convention will be instrumental in my growth as a collegiate coach,” said Bayona. “It will provide me with the knowledge, network and resources to lead my team to success. Furthermore, it will enhance my ability to mentor and develop the student-athletes under my guidance, ensuring they reach their full potential both on and off the field.”
Bayona was hired on July 17, 2024 as the Panthers next head coach. Prior to her arrival in Atlanta, she spent three seasons as assistant coach at Keiser University, where she played pivotal role in revitalizing the program. Solely responsible for the pitching staff, she mentored Lizzy Small to a pair of All-Sun Conference honors. Additionally, she served as an assistant at Florida National University, St. Thomas University and Broward College.
Bayona got her start in coaching by volunteering at a local recreational program in her hometown following her college graduation. She moved to Florida and started to give pitching lessons for local parks and travel teams which led to a position as the pitching coach at Barbara Goleman High School in Miami Lakes, Fla. before heading into the collegiate ranks.
“I am deeply committed to the development of collegiate softball, not only as a sport, but as a powerful tool for empowering young athletes,” said Bayona. “My previous experiences have shaped me into the coach I am today and Have prepared me for the challenges of my first season as the head coach at Clark Atlanta University.”
Bayona is also dedicated to community development through softball. As a co-founder of a non-profit organization, she has been committed to rebuilding and promoting the sports in the community where her coaching career began.
“This scholarship will not only support my professional development, but also contribute to the broader mission of elevating HBCU athletic programs,” Bayona stated. “I am committed to using this opportunity to further my impact in the softball community and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Bayona will be recognized on Thursday, Dec. 5 during the Convention’s annual mentoring workshop.
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its extensive awards and scholarships program, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from NFCA podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of 7,000 coaches today!
