NFCA announces 2017 High School Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA announced its 2017 High School Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year. Five prestigious programs from their respective NFCA regions were chosen for the honor.

This year’s winners were highlighted by four state champions, a state runner-up, an undefeated season and two nationally-ranked programs, which included the No. 1 team in the final USA Today Sports/NFCA Super 25 Poll- Los Alamitos High School (Calif.).

Los Alamitos, along with Donovan Catholic High School (N.J), Beecher High School (Ill.), Land O’Lakes High School (Fla.) and Riverton High School (Kan.) are eligible for the NFCA’s National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on July 27.

East Region – Donovan Catholic High School (N.J.) | Record – 27-2

Head Coach – Deborah Schwartz

Assistant Coaches – Corey Schwartz, Dawn Dziedzic, Kathleen Sharp

Defeated St. John Vianney to win the Non-Public South A sectional crown… Non-Public A runner-up… Finished season ranked 18th in USA Today Sports/NFCA Super 25 Poll… Collected a Class B South Division title and a share of the Ocean County Tournament championship… Schwartz named All-Shore Coach of the Year.

North Region – Beecher High School (Ill.) | Record – 31-7

Head Coach – Kevin Hayhurst

Assistant Coaches - Tyler Shireman, Carly Patkus

Claimed the 2A State Championship with a 2-1 victory over St. Joseph-Ogden.

South Region – Land O’Lakes High School (Fla.) | Record – 29-3

Head Coach – Mitch Wilkins
Assistant Coaches – Janet Sciales, Edwin Rodriguez, Vinny Guarracino

Won the program’s first-ever state championship with a 3-1 victory over Plantation American Heritage in the 6A title game.

South Central Region – Riverton High School (Kan.) | Record – 25-0

Head Coach – Brian Mitchell
Assistant Coaches – Pam Bevis, Cheslyn McDonald

Back-to-back 3A state champions, following a 4-1 win over Rossville in the title game… Undefeated run included a victory over the state’s third place program which is two classes higher than Riverton… Active volunteers in Community Cleanup and the Lady Rams Softball Fundamental Camp.

West Region – Los Alamitos High School (Calif.) | Record – 28-3

Head Coach – Rob Weil

Assistant Coaches – Sean Nierman, Jim Costello, Holly Pearce, Janet Fettig

CIF-SS Division 1 Champions… Weil was selected All-USA High School Softball Coach and Orange County Register Coach of the Year… Program finished No. 1 in USA Today Sports/NFCA Super 25 Poll.