NFCA Celebrates the Carolyn Watley Memorial Scholarship

Extra Inning Softball is pleased to share the following announcement from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) regarding the launch of the Carolyn Watley Memorial Scholarship for Moms Who Coach, a new initiative honoring the mothers and maternal caregivers who have made a lasting impact on the game, while creating new opportunities for dedicated coaches to grow, connect, and continue inspiring the next generation of athletes.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA is proud to unveil the Carolyn Watley Memorial Scholarship for Moms Who Coach, a national tribute to the women who built our game from the bleachers up. This scholarship is presented by Natasha Watley, the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and Sue Enquist, NFCA Hall of Famer and former UCLA head coach.

“I am honored to stand alongside the Natasha Watley Foundation and the NFCA in announcing the Carolyn Watley Memorial Scholarship for Moms Who Coach,” said Enquist. “Carolyn Watley was Natasha’s mom and very first coach – she gave without asking for recognition, the same way so many mothers on ball fields across this country do every single day.”

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It is the second NFCA Convention scholarship (Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change) provided by the NWF and Enquist and the third that involves the NWF (Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship). It honors Carolyn Watley who raised her only child to be the first Black woman to play softball for the United States in the Olympics.

“The NFCA is honored to partner with Natasha Watley, Sue Enquist, and the Natasha Watley Foundation to create the Carolyn Watley Memorial Scholarship for Moms Who Coach,” said NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman.

“This scholarship will reward the most selfless, dedicated people involved in our sport- Moms! The recipient of this scholarship will be provided the opportunity to attend the NFCA National Convention. This event will open many new doors to the recipient as attending the ‘Greatest Softball Show on Earth’ provides top-notch educational and networking experiences and quite frankly, is life-changing.

The recipient will learn from the best speakers/clinicians in the nation as well as many high-level professionals in our mentoring/networking sessions. Being a Mom and a Coach are two of the greatest titles of all time. The NFCA is proud to honor Carolyn Watley’s legacy for many years to come.”

The scholarship is awarded to a mother or maternal caregiver who is actively coaching fastpitch for a minimum of three years who seeks and desires an educational opportunity and is in need of financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention. It will be selected by the NFCA Awards Committee, Natasha Watley and a member from the NWF Coach Mentor program.

“Natasha has carried that spirit into everything she’s built since, becoming a true gamechanger for our sport, and now she’s making sure her mother’s legacy lifts up every mom who’s ever coached from the sidelines while raising a family,” said Enquist. “This scholarship is in honor of Carolyn, and for every mom like her. Cheers to the NFCA, who has always valued the true queens of the diamond. Our moms!”

Recipients will receive a complimentary NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement up to $700, up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel, and a one-year complimentary membership with the Association.

This story includes reporting from Brian Stanley of the NFCA, with additional coverage by Extra Inning Softball.

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