LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The George Mason Softball coaching staff was honored with the ATEC/NFCA Division I Regional Coaching Staff of the Year award,
the NFCA announced Thursday afternoon. This is the first time Mason Softball has garnered this award.
Led by head coach
Justin Walker and assistants
Campbell Hutcherson and Dominique Travers, the Patriots this season
won their first Atlantic 10 title in program history and made their
NCAA tournament debut at the Durham Regional. They also broke numerous Patriot records, such as home runs (27), doubles (90), slugging percentage (.408), RBI (226), stolen bases (135), walks (191), fielding percentage (.977) and strikeouts pitched (360).
Mason's 35 wins is also tied for the third-most wins in a single season in program history and most since 2002.
"It is an honor to be recognized for this award," said head coach Walker. "This is a full team recognition and a testament to the hard work and commitment of our players. I'm grateful to work with a passionate and dedicated coaching staff that challenges and energizes the team every day. Thank you to George Mason Athletics, the Mason community, our Mason Softball alumni and all the parents for their support this season."
Representing the Mid-Atlantic region, George Mason was one of 11 programs to have been named Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. The other ten programs that were awarded in their region are as follows: University of Oklahoma (Central), Northwestern University (Great Lakes), Miami University (Mideast), Middle Tennessee State University (Mideast), Indiana University (Midwest), Boston University (Northeast), University of Utah (Pacific), McNeese State University (South), University of Tennessee (Southeast) and San Diego State University (West).
According to the NFCA, the 11 programs named, along with the Division I national champion (if the program is not a regional winner), will be eligible to be named for the ATEC/NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year. The national award will be announced on Thursday, June 22.
