LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Samantha Ekstrand, who has served as the NFCA’s legal counsel since 2016, is the recipient of the Melinda Fischer Distinguished Service Award. In front of colleagues and friends, Ekstrand was officially announced as the honoree during the Association’s annual summer Board of Directors meeting, Aug. 2-3 at NFCA headquarters.
Celebrating 10 years of service in 2026, Ekstrand has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Association since coming on as a new benefit, where members can seek legal assistance. Through contract review and negotiations to guidance on employment-related matters, Ekstrand has provided members with strategic counsel and educational tools to be proactive and maximize job performance. She has led implementation of salary surveys and numerous educational initiatives on risk management.
“Melinda Fischer set the gold standard for service,” said Ekstrand. “It is an incredible honor to be considered as a part of her legacy of commitment to the sport of softball. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman, the entire NFCA staff, and the softball coaching community. You know when you are on a great team -- how lucky I am to be part of this NFCA team, the very best.”
Additionally, Ekstrand has been a key cog in numerous legislative wins in the realms of NCAA recruiting and eligibility, with the first highlight coming in 2018, when Sept. 1 of a prospective student-athlete’s junior year was established as the start date for all softball recruiting contact.
“Samantha is a game changer for our Association and our members!” said NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman. “We are so fortunate to have her legal expertise, knowledge of the sports industry, and servant heart on our NFCA team. Samantha's commitment to excellence is evident in all she does. Like Melinda Fischer, her work has elevated our Association to greater heights through her unwavering devotion. Samantha is so deserving of this award, which honors exceptional commitment and dedication to the NFCA and the sport of fastpitch softball.”
With year-round availability that includes in-person opportunities at the NFCA Convention, Ekstrand has gone above and beyond for members, the Association and the sport of softball. She has had her hand in the coordination of several NFCA policies, which included streamlining the NFCA All-Region and All-America awards, the revision of the NFCA Bylaws and the drafting of NFCA Leadoff Classic contracts and guidelines.
The award, which is named in honor of former Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer, recognizes a person who has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to the NFCA and the sport of fastpitch softball. Ekstrand joins a distinguished list, which includes OnDeck Softball founder Derek Allister (’25), ESPN play-by-play talent Beth Mowins (‘24), Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Georgia Sports and Events Council Merri Sherman (‘23), ESPN Senior Vice President of Production Meg Aronowitz (’18), former Executive Director of the National Junior College Athletic Association Mary Ellen Leicht (’16), former NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor and NFCA Hall of Famer Dee Abrahamson (’07), and NFCA Hall of Famer Fischer (’02).
he NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.
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Melinda Fischer Distinguished Service Award
