LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Donnie White, a coach with the Cincinnati Reds RBI program, is the 2024 recipient of the NFCA’s Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with Sue Enquist.
Reviewed and voted on by the NFCA Awards Committee and Natasha Watley, the scholarship is awarded to a Black coach who has created educational or athletic opportunities for their community, has removed and overcome obstacles through social change, or has opened doors for growing the game of fastpitch for Black girls or women. The scholarship is presented to an individual who embodies courage and commitment to break down barriers, create change within our sport, and has a need for financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention.
White will receive a 2024 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement of $700 and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, he will receive a one-year complimentary membership with the NFCA.
White, who was recently hired as the Princeton High School (Cincinnati, Ohio) head coach, was instrumental in rebuilding the program as assistant on the staff the past two years by inspiring minority girls to come out for the program. As a testament to his work, two athletes from that team earned all-conference and all-city honors. White also has helped raise funds to purchase equipment for the field and for girls without equipment.
“His knowledge of the girls in the community and the game has expanded greatly in his five years that I have worked with him,” said Chip Roper, Reds RBI 16u coach. “By attending Convention, I believe he can expand his knowledge of the game and contacts for the girls worthy of college play as he moves into the head coaching position at Princeton High School.”
Bringing that work ethic and dedication to the Reds RBI program, White has helped grow the 14u team and improved its competition from “C” level to “A” level. Roper added - "Taking girls that have been overlooked traditionally in the Cincinnati softball community, he has turned them into a competitive team within the region." White guided that team to a tournament title and a runner-up finish as well as topping pool play in an all-Ohio tournament.
“Donnie recently embraced a new challenge as a youth softball coach,” said Rico Hill. “His passion for the sport has grown rapidly, and he has become a dedicated student of the game. His ability to connect with and inspire young athletes, regardless of the sport, is a testament to his versatility and unwavering commitment to youth development. His reliability and loyalty make him a cherished member of any community or organization he is a part of.”
White 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.
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