STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Beverly Bandits 18U Gold (Ill.), led by head coach Bill Conroy and assisted by Russell Cooper, Brittany Dixon, Chris Morris, and Jen Tyrell, have been named as the 2011 NFCA Travel Ball National Coaching Staff of the Year. 

“I couldn't be more excited,” said Conroy. “This award is a testament to not only the Beverly Bandits' season this year and the kids that played for us, but the program as a whole and those who have come before. To me, it is really more of a lifetime achievement award. It was made possible by not only this year's coaching staff and players, but all those who have helped pave the way for our success.” 

The Bandits turned in an astounding 72-8-2 record over the 2010-2011 season and lost just three times during elimination play during the summer. 

Conroy's squad won both the Orland Park Sparks tournament and the Boulder Independence Day tournament in 2011. At the Boulder event, the Bandits were the only team from the Midwest in the final eight and were the only team from outside of California in the final eight at the Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championships, where they finished third. 

In addition to success on the field, all 17 seniors from this year's team have signed with Division I teams and will continue to pursue their education through the help of softball. 

The NFCA Travel Ball National Coaching Staff of the year award is presented annually to the top member coaching staff as voted on by the Association's travel ball membership.