LOUISVILLE, Ky. – NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman with the support of the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Pat Conlan, a longtime Association member and former Georgetown head coach, as the new Senior Director: Strategic Initiatives.

From getting her start on the Ethics Committee in 2013 to her current role with the NFCA, Conlan has served in numerous roles over the last 13 years and has been a dedicated member of over 30 years. She quickly turned her focus to the Executive Board, being elected as the First Vice President (now VP for Awards) in 2014 and again in 2019. In her role, Conlan was the chair of the Hall of Fame (twice), Bylaws and Awards Committees. 

“This is a home run hire for the NFCA,” said Bruggeman. “Having Pat Conlan on a full-time basis is a 'win' for our internal team and our Association. As a talented student-athlete, dedicated coach, and passionate leader, Pat has made her mark on the sport. Now, Pat will continue her softball journey as a member of our team and make an impact as a leader within the Association. I have had the pleasure of working with Pat for many years on the NFCA Board of Directors and have enjoyed a front row seat to seeing her impeccable character, overall knowledge, and various talents in action. Her skill set and passion for the game will make our Association better every day.”

With her vast experience as a coach and Board member, Conlan lent her expertise as the Special Advisor to the Executive Board from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2025.

“The relationships, mentorship, and shared passion within the NFCA make it truly special,” said Conlan. “I am excited to continue advocating for positive change in our sport and to remain part of such an impactful and dedicated NFCA team.”

In her new role, Conlan will continue her work with the Hall of Fame Committee, serve as the liaison for the Nominating Committee, Emeriti, and Assistant Coach groups, work closely with the CEO on numerous special projects, and assist with education, awards, events, and sponsorship initiatives.

“Over the past 30 years as a member — including serving on the Board of Directors and various committees — I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in our sport,” Conlan said. “Those experiences have shaped me both personally and professionally, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to impact the softball community beyond the lines of the field.”

Conlan, with over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, spent 19 seasons as Georgetown’s head coach, transforming the Hoyas club team to a Division I program in 2006 and serving through the 2024 season. Prior to her time in the nation’s capital, Conlan spent 14 years coaching for various collegiate teams, overseeing the pitching staff at NC State for two seasons and working at her alma mater University of Connecticut for six seasons. Before that, she spent three seasons as Fairfield University’s head coach and one as an assistant, earning MAAC Coach of the Year honors in 1997.

“Throughout my entire coaching career, the NFCA has held a special place in my life,” said Conlan “The NFCA provides a wealth of knowledge, resources, and opportunities that not only help coaches grow professionally, but also strengthen and advance our game as a whole.” 

She also enjoyed a decorated career as a pitcher at UConn, leading the Huskies to a fifth-place finish at the 1993 Women’s College World Series. Over her time in Storrs, she earned NFCA All-America honors, along with being named BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year and collecting First-Team All-BIG EAST, All-New England, All-ECAC and NFCA All-Northeast Region accolades.