LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) have joined forces in a joint membership initiative, announced NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman on Tuesday afternoon. 

“I would like to thank the NJCAA for making a huge commitment to their softball coaches by offering a membership to our Association,” said Bruggeman. “Everyone wins with this new initiative. NJCAA coaches will have access to all NFCA benefits and the NJCAA will be helping grow the sport of softball. Special thanks to Darin Monroe for his efforts in bringing this initiative to life."

Spearheaded by Rock Valley College Head Coach and Athletic Director Darin Monroe (NJCAA Coaches Association President.), the initiative, starting at the end of May 2020, allows NJCAA Coaches Association members to also receive a NFCA membership (paid by the NJCAA Coaches Association).

"This agreement is a huge step forward for softball coaches at the NJCAA level,” stated Monroe, who serves as the NJCAA Representative on the NFCA Board of Directors. “NJCAA coaches now have access to online education, mentorship programs, awards and the opportunity to network with coaches at all levels of softball.  The NFCA provides so many valuable resources to grow as a coach and ultimately it will have a positive impact on our student-athletes at the NJCAA level.”

It will immediately grow the NFCA’s NJCAA membership, a longtime goal of the Association, but more importantly it presents NJCAA coaches and their student-athletes the opportunity to have access to NFCA education, awards, events, networking opportunities and Convention scholarships. In turn, the NJCAA is making a financial commitment to their softball coaches, which opens the door for the NFCA to assist them in their quest for excellence.

“As an association, we are pleased to provide our coaches and our student-athletes with this avenue of opportunity with the NFCA,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. “Partnerships with prominent associations such as the NFCA equip our members with the resources needed to prepare their student-athletes at the highest level. We look forward to the continued growth between both organizations.”