LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Ten programs were recognized by their peers as 2026 ATEC/NFCA Travel Ball Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, announced the Association on Thursday.
Representing each of the NFCA’s 10 travel ball regions, these respective coaching staffs – South Shore Patriots 14U (Region I), Pennsbury Gems 14U Elite (Region II), 18U VA Glory National - Willemssen (Region III), Top Gun 18 National (Region IV), Indiana Magic Gold 2032 Futures DuPlessis (Region V), Texas Glory (Region VI), Firecrackers Illinois - Ring 14U (Region VII), Bronco Select 18u Black (Region VIII), Lady Magic (Region IX) and NW Vandals Morton (Region X) – are now eligible for the ATEC/NFCA Travel Ball National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on Sept. 30. Regional (respective region only) and National Coaching Staffs of the Year are voted on by active travel ball member head coaches.
It marks the third consecutive recognition for Kevin Shelton (Texas Glory) and Bob Turner (Top Gun 18 National) teams, while Adam Ring (Firecrackers Illinois - Ring 14U) and his staff have notched a second straight honor, having led their teams to Regional Coaching Staff of the Year last year. Additionally, the Pennsbury Gems 14U program has gone back-to-back with the Elite team under Ryan Mahler recognized this year.
To be eligible, the program’s head coach must be an NFCA member and nominated for the honor.
Region I – South Shore Patriots 14U (Mass.)
Head Coach: John Kostas
Assistant Coaches: Tamara Bryan, Jason Whelan
Finished with a 41-11 record, three tournament titles, two of which were aided by an 11-game winning streak to end the season … When the team experienced the heartbreaking loss of a teammate’s father, the dedicated coaches provided compassion, strength, and leadership, helping guide the players through an incredibly difficult time … Their support and guidance showed the true meaning and purpose of coaching young athletes.
Region II – Pennsbury Gems 14U Elite (Pa.)
Head Coach: Ryan Mahler
Assistant Coaches: Chuck Carney, Colleen Rosenberger, Jorge Garcia
Finished as Elite Eight finalists in the 14U Alliance Nationals in Indiana, collected three first-place finishes, one second and one third … Finished the season 73-25-1 … Played up at 16U (a few 18U) in many competitive tournaments which helped sharpen this team’s approach and maturity level … Comprised of 2029 and 2030 players, the coaches built the team on hard work, teamwork and determination, resulting in an increased confidence and development in the players … The team also participated in multiple fundraising and charitable projects and also focused on academics and multi-sport participation.
Region III – 18U VA Glory National - Willemssen (Va.)
Head Coach: Suzy Willemssen
Assistant Coach: Kevin Bednoski
Competed against elite national competition, earning quality wins at Top Gun KC, Triple Crown P4, the Alliance Super Cup, and the Triple Crown National Power Pool at the Colorado Sparkler … Capped the summer with a Tier II national championship at The Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series … Players are developed to reach their potential, helping athletes find college opportunities that are the right fit academically and athletically, and teaching them to use softball to make an impact on others … The Glory program raised more than $50,000 for Children’s Hospital, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity.
Region IV – Top Gun 18 National (Fla.)
Head Coach: Bob Turner
Assistant Coaches: Zach Keiter, Ismael Vasquez, Rey Alvarado
Playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, the team went 53-15-2 and enjoyed success at major events … Crowned champions of Georgia’s Fall PGF Show Me the Money … Runner-up finishes at Florida’s Fall and Summer Show Me the Money tournaments … Finished third at the Triple Crown National Championships … Posted undefeated runs at the Texas Bombers Exposure Event and Team NJ Clearwater Invitational
Region V – Indiana Magic Gold 2032 Futures DuPlessis
Head Coach: Christina DuPlessis
Assistant Coaches: Madison Dorsey, Vanessa Miller
Won the 2025 AFCS National Championship at 10U … Finished ninth in tier 2 as an 11U team at AFCS … Finished the season at 41-31-2 against some of the top teams in the country … Staff is tireless in their pursuit of success and makes sure they are not only developing strong players but also strong human beings.
Region VI – Texas Glory
Head Coach: Kevin Shelton
Assistant Coaches: Keith Allen, Ryan Nicholson, RJ Howerton, Shayne Williams
Tallied a 36-7 overall record and posted top offensive numbers throughout the summer with a .435 batting average, 100 home runs and 9.2 runs per game … Took home the 18U title at USA Gold Nationals, posted second and third-place finishes at TFL Summer Championship and TCS P5 Patriot Games, respectively … Added a fifth-place showing at the Alliance FastPitch Championship Series (AFCS Nationals).
Region VII – Firecrackers Illinois - Ring 14U
Head Coach: Adam Ring
Assistant Coaches: Emma Fionda, Rob Chapman
Season was highlighted by a 60-23-4 overall record and defined by consistent success against some of the most competitive teams in the country … Collected three PGF championships – Best of the Best, Sparks Chicago Classic and Grayslake Pride Summer Kickoff in the 16U Division … Earned a second-place finish at the PGF Super Select Fall Championship, followed by top-eight finishes at two of the nation's most competitive events: the TCS Sunshine Classic (53 teams), and the TCS Colorado Sparkler (198 teams) … Every player on the roster received individual recognition during the season through regional or national rankings and/or selection to prestigious Team USA and Midwest Showcase events … Staff places tremendous emphasis on preparation, situational awareness, mental toughness, communication, and a team-first mindset that every player has a role in the success of the team.
Region VIII – Bronco Select 18U Black (Wis.)
Head Coach: Amanda Pollitt
Assistant Coaches: Dale Lange, Steve Peterson
As a small-town organization, it captured its second straight first-place finish at USSSA Nationals .. The staff’s dedication to the kids in the area has made an impact in their community, and the schools the kids attend within 15 miles .. Through the hard work and commitment of the coaches, the program instills athletic fundamentals and teaches valuable life skills.
Region IX – Lady Magic (Calif.)
Head Coaches: Ernie and Lindsey Munoz
Assistant Coaches: Joe Marks, Bill Sparrey, Erik Kennedy
Lady Magic 2031 completed its first season together and registered an 84-7-2 record with a PGF National title at the 12U level … Three players were named to the Line Drive Media’s All-Summer Team … The 2027 squad competed at the 18U division and earned top 15 finishes in all of the major tournaments, including a tie for third at Top Gun National, 13th (tie) at PGF Nationals and 17th (tie) at the Colorado 18U Power Pool … All 2027 players are committed to Power 4 programs.
Region X – NW Vandals Morton (Ore.)
Head Coach: Rick Morton
Assistant Coach: Jared Adams
Notched 35 wins this past season … Worked very hard throughout the year to help the softball community grow and had three players sign with colleges going into their senior seasons with some of the incoming juniors receiving a lot of college looks and exposure … Established a lot of trust and support with parents by honest, open and direct feedback both ways, which helped the program grow … All the players improved, played collectively and competed at a higher level than the individual talent would've allowed.
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