LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NFCA is pleased to announce Amber Wilson, head coach at Frankfort High School (Mich.), as the 2026 recipient of the Wade J. Bruggeman Memorial Scholarship for High School Coaches.
Wilson will receive funding to attend the 2026 NFCA National Convention, Dec. 9-12 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. Included is a complimentary Convention registration, $700 in travel reimbursement and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel.
Wilson, who is entering her second season leading the Panthers, returned to Frankfort’s softball program in 2021 as the program’s varsity assistant and middle school head coach. She was elevated to her current position in the summer of 2025, and in her first season she guided Frankfort to a 21-5 record and berth into the District 105 playoffs.
“This scholarship is deeply meaningful to me because it represents an investment in the future of every girl in the Frankfort softball program,” said Wilson. “My commitment to softball isn’t just about winning games, it’s about building confident young women through a love for the game, a mission I’ve pursued from t-ball all the way up to rebuilding our middle school program.”
Wilson’s coaching journey began at Frankfort in 2005 as the junior varsity coach and the varsity assistant from 2006 to 2008, during which the Panthers made a run to a state runner-up finish in 2007. Wilson dedicated herself to coaching at various levels, gaining valuable experience along the way from to-ball through 16U travel ball.
“Amber coaches her players on such a high level of expectations that they strive to reach it every single practice and every single day both on and off the field,” said Elizabeth Roethlere, whose daughter was coached by Wilson. “Amber ignited a passion in my daughter for the sport of softball, but so much more than that. She has taught and modeled for her what it means to be a good sport, and also a good human.”
Her vast coaching background coaching youth softball has allowed Wilson to develop players across different age groups and skill levels, fostering fundamental techniques, strategic thinking and a love for the games. This played a pivotal role in Wilson building Frankfort’s middle school program from the ground up, starting with seven players and growing it to 20. This opportunity allowed her to coach and develop all the current varsity players and make it a smooth transition to the varsity program.
“The investment of attending the Convention won’t stop with me,” said Wilson. “It will ripple through every player I coach. This scholarship is not a personal award, it’s a necessary tool that will allow me to bring elite, national-level coaching wisdom and strategy back to our small passionate community so that I can better serve the young women who look to me for both life skills and softball excellence.”
Wade J. Bruggeman, the late father of NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman, spent his entire 38-year career as a high school teacher, coach, and principal in the state of Iowa. Reviewed and voted on by the NFCA Awards Committee and his widow, Ruth Bruggeman, this scholarship provides a way to 'pay it forward' for high school coaches to assist with professional development.
This scholarship is awarded to a high school member coach who combines a shared passion for education and coaching, while showing a commitment to youth education and growing the sport of softball.
Wilson will be recognized on Thursday, Dec. 10 during the Convention’s annual mentoring workshop.
View previous recipients here.
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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