Going behind the glitz and glamour of NFCA awards - Page 2

Let's start with the fun ones, you know, the ones where the Association gives out free money for coaches to educate themselves – have you heard of those ones? The NFCA's extensive scholarship program now features four different scholarship opportunities for a nearly all-expenses paid trip to the NFCA National Convention. These educational opportunities allow you to grow your knowledge of the game, mingle with your colleagues, and even rub elbows with some of the best in the game. Never been to Convention? During my first Convention I rode in an elevator with Coach Hutchins, Coach Murphy bought me a pizza, I took notes next to Coach Torina, and I sat with Coach Gasso for a whole educational session. That all happened in ONE day! So if there is a chance for anyone to attend Convention, and even better, for free...I'm shouting it from the rooftops. APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!

Want to know the secret to winning one of these? Be a member and actually submit an application.

Over the last two years we've added two pretty incredible opportunities for young female assistants and Black coaches in our game to grow their softball IQ at the National Convention. Thanks to the Natasha Watley Foundation in memory of Geri Ann Glasco and the generous donation of Sue Enquist in honor of Natasha Watley and her work in bringing equal opportunity to our great game. You can find the Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change and the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship applications in your members-only "Coach's Box."

We've learned over the years there's a few reasons why member coaches don't submit applications and let's debunk those excuses – because let's face it, that's what they are – right now: 1) Yes, you can actually win (ask our winners) and 2) It's not a hard process at all.

Applications and nominations for all NFCA awards are found in your Coach's Box. Every time you come to the NFCA website you'll see the login or Coach's Box buttons - and with your email and password - it will take you straight to your Coach's Box. Just click on AWARDS and boom – let the fun begin!

Once you submit an application, the NFCA Awards Committee takes over. This nominated and appointed group of people serve the best interests of the Association and its members. They are sent all applications ahead of their calls, review them at length, and then discuss outstanding applicants' qualifications. A few of the qualifications they consider when selecting winners are things like divisional representation, why an applicant might be "deserving," and maybe surprisingly to a few of you, effort. Did an applicant actually take the time to fill out the criteria of the application? After all, this is free money to further your coaching education.

This year the Awards Committee selected five recipients to receive one of our educational scholarships. These lucky winners were gifted something a little extra special this year…since it's 2020 and everyone has had one heck of a year…they received a complimentary registration to this year's Virtual Convention as well as room, travel, and registration to the 2021 Convention in Las Vegas.