LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mary Bean, an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, is the 2025 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.
As the honoree, Bean will receive a 2025 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement of $700 and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally, she will receive a one-year complimentary membership with the NFCA.
Bean is in her fourth year as the top assistant for Green Bay, and got her start in coaching at just 23 years old, fresh off a standout four-year playing career as the starting third baseman for the University of Southern Indiana. While in college, she served as an assistant coach for the Dennison Silverhawks travel ball organization’s 16U and 18U teams, a program she played for herself for five years. At Southern Indiana, Bean was the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president when it implemented the Strength of 17 movement, which promoted diversity, equity and social justice, and provided a safe place for all student-athletes.
She is also involved in a summer program called Girls in the Game for inner-city youths in the Chicagoland area. That program seeks to keep young females off the streets by keeping them active in sports and education, promoting physical and mental health, higher-education opportunities, and overall life skills.
“Being a role model for these young females is pivotal, as Mary understands not all young people have great mentors in their lives,” Green Bay head coach Sara Kubuske wrote in her nomination of Bean. “Mary is an instrumental part of the softball community in every place she has been. She strives to make an impact and I would like to be able to help her continue to make impacts.”
“As with everyone else, budgets are being cut, and one of the line items removed has been professional development. I would like to continue to be able to offer her the opportunity to go to the NFCA Convention and continue to make an impact as a minority softball coach.”
Phoenix Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Excellence/Senior Woman Administrator Kassie Wagner seconded that opinion and also offered her support.
“Mary has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing systemic inequities and empowering marginalized communities,” Wagner wrote. “Organizing grassroots initiatives and leading community events, she approaches each challenge with compassion, integrity and strategic thinking. What sets Mary apart is her ability to mobilize others around a shared purpose. She not only brings clarity and passion to the cause, but also fosters inclusive dialogue and collective action.”
“Mary is also deeply reflective and constantly seeks to learn and grow. This self-awareness, combined with a deep understanding of social justice frameworks, makes her both an effective leader and a thoughtful collaborator. I have no doubt that Mary will continue to be a powerful force and voice for good in any endeavor she pursues. I am confident she will make a significant and lasting impact.”
Bean will be recognized on Dec. 11 during the Convention’s annual mentoring workshop, which is presented by SixFour3.
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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