RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
It’s that time of year again for one of the biggest annual gatherings in the softball world—the 2023 NFCA Convention which runs for three days, Wednesday Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 9—at The Galt Hotel and Convention Center in Louisville, Ky.
Extra Inning Softball will have reports of each day at the convention as well as today’s look at the college, club and high school coaches who came together the day and night (Tuesday, Dec. 5) before the festivities officially kicked off on Wednesday.
Joy Roeder, a correspondent for EIS who is at the convention working with Athletes Go Live, shared her experience talking with coaches who gathered the day before the 2023 NFCA Convention officially kicked off on Wednesday…
… but first, the NFCA’s promo video previewing this week’s activities:
Pre-Convention Gatherings
Things were buzzing at The Galt Hotel and Convention Center as the day started with the early arrival of coaches who chose to take in clinics where they learned from successful coaches’ new drills, motivational techniques and game strategies.
The energy was electric in anticipation of all that’s to come over the four days.
I had the chance to sit down and talk with two coaches who are very familiar with attending NFCA convention.
York College Head Coach Roni Miller and State Fair Community College Head Coach Michelle Rupard provided great insights into what attending this event each year means to them as coaches.
Coach Miller is a seasoned coach in her 10th season as York College Head Coach where she went to school herself and played for the program.
Miller is a native of central California and softball has been in her blood since her club days with Fresno Force. A club that is still going strong in central California.
Miller says attending conventions each year is essential to keep up with the game’s advancements.
“Here, I get to up my expertise as a coach, and every year I learn something new that takes me to another level.”
Coach Rupard agreed with Miller and added that last year as a first-time head coach the NFCA mentorship program was invaluable.
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Several other coaches who gathered in the beautiful skywalk lounge area of The Halt Hotel were willing to share their enthusiasm in being Louisville this week.
Benefits of Being Back
*** There was no hiding the excitement of Coach Jessica Rapoza the head coach at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. In her 8th season as head coach, she loves coming to convention.
“There are so many great things about coming but the highlights are rejuvenation, inspiration and comradery!”
*** Jose Ortega, Head Coach at Redlands College said
“Last season we were unable to attend due to budgetary reasons and we really felt it over the course of our season. Coming to the convention is like the start of the season. This is where we get rejuvenated and reconnect. We are so glad to be back this year!”
*** Redlands assistant coach Kaitlyn Hooper-Bell agreed, adding:
“This event is something we look forward to the entire year.”
*** Casey Goodman, Head Coach at Bakersfield College, said she too enjoys coming every year to reconnect with friends and be inspired for the upcoming season.
*** Robin Baker is no stranger to the NFCA Convention, either. In her 33rd year of coaching and playing multiple roles in the athletic department at Wisconsin – Eau Claire she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Coach Baker echoed what many coaches had to say about the importance of the convention and how it helps reconnect with other coaches.
“Over the years, I’ve realized how important it is to come back from the Convention with one or two nuggets to try and implement in her program. One of my players who I coached for four years said: ‘Hey coach, every time you come home from the Convention you change the direction of the program. Maybe you should just look for a couple key things to implement!’”
Baker said that really helped her realize she needed to find her philosophy as a coach and stay true to that.
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Mentorship Opportunities
One of the common themes you hear from coaches about convention is it often is a place where mentor and mentee reconnect for face-to-face time.
The NFCA has a mentorship program that is a great resource for young coaches.
Coach Baker gathered with her long-time mentee Rachel Williams, who was her player and now is the head coach at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif.
Rachell commented:
“I’m very grateful for the mentorship of Coach Baker and this is an example of how important it is for young coaches to have a seasoned mentor.”
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Why Attending The NFCA Convention Is Important To Me
The coaches at another table have had many years of attending the convention and provided answers to the question as to “Why attending the NFCA convention is important to me?”
Here’s what they had to say:
* Jennifer Teague, a 10-year head coach at Columbia University said:
“It comes down to the three C’s: Comradery, Connections and Continue to learn!”
* Former Michigan Coach Carol “Hutch” Hutchinson:
“Even though I’m not coaching any more, coming to convention is a great way to connect with old friends, former players and help in any way I can to continue to grow the game.”
* Beverly Smith, Head Coach at University of South Carolina, agreed with the sentiments of the other coaches and added:
“The Convention is an opportunity not only to grow the game of softball but to expand the business side of the sport.”
* Diane Miller, an Assistant Coach at the University of Nebraska stated:
“We never stop learning. The Convention is a space where everyone in the sport, regardless of age and level of experience, will learn something new.”
“This platform can be a catalyst for a mentor/mentee relationships to start. Lastly, every year the Convention plays a part in continuing to advance the game, not just in the U.S. but all over the world!”