ATLANTA, Ga. – The always popular mentoring session did not disappoint on day two of the NFCA National Convention. With its main theme being “pay it forward,” the approximately 700 coaches in attendance did just that as they gathered in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis’ Atrium Ballroom on Thursday.

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After $10,000 dollars was collected through coaches donations during the session, a very generous attendee matched that amount to bring the grand total to a convention-record $20,000. With that, young assistant and head coaches went away with anything from a free one-year NFCA membership ($190) to a National Champion visit ($1200), where a coach and their staff can observe a practice and learn from University of Florida head Tim Walton and his staff.

In addition, convention registrations, NFCC courses, NFCA Coaches Clinics, Coaches Alliance or Professional Membership and a regional visit to a program of their choosing were handed out. Lastly, $5,000 goes directly towards the Mary Nutter Scholarship.

Under the guidance of NFCA Hall of Famer Sue Enquist and with the help of Michigan State head coach Jacquie Joseph and Nebraska assistant Diane Miller, experienced coaches volunteer to give advice and life lessons to younger head and assistant coaches. 

Earlier in the day, over 100 coaches were honored for reaching various career milestones, 115 vendors vied for coach’s time in the exhibit hall and the evening concluded with the Diamond Sports social and the FCA Coaches Testimony.

Following Business Caucuses for Division 1, 2 & 3, NAIA and Junior College, the NFCA/Easton Victory Club recognized member head coaches for each 100 victories they achieve throughout their careers at the annual luncheon. Coaches being honored for achieving 1,100 or more wins received beautifully engraved crystal, those having reached plateaus stretching from 300-900 victories were awarded personalized plaques and certificates were presented to 100 or 200-win coaches in honor of their special achievements.

This year eight coaches were lauded for either reaching or exceeding the 1,000-victory plateau. Leading the way was Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins, who was celebrated for reaching the 1,400-win plateau. Ken Bailey of the South Carolina Bandits travel team reached the 1,300-victory mark. Cypress College’s Brad Pickler, California’s Diane Ninemire and Tennessee’s Ralph Weekly joined the 1200-club. Reaching the four-digit win total in 2015 were Ilinois State’s Melinda Fischer, Auburn’s Clint Myers and Chattanooga’s Frank Reed.

Speakers included head coach Tim Walton of two-time defending Division I national champion Florida and an all-star panel featuring Hall of Famers Cindy Bristow and Yvette Girourd and retired head coach Deb DiMatteo take the stage. Walton presented the “Championship Approach”, while the three softball veterans shared stories and answered questions in a laid back setting.

Friday is chalk full of speakers and some drills presentations and capped off by the induction of the NFCA’s Class of 2015, Texas A&M’s Jo Evans, Auburn’s Clint Myers and Montclair State’s Anita Kubicka.