Head softball coach Colleen Powers and the softball staff were named Midwest Region Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Just two weeks after leading St. Kate's to its first ever appearance in the Division III Women's College World Series, head softball coach Colleen Powers and her staff were named the Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year by the , the organization announced Monday morning.
Powers led the Wildcats to their best season in program history in 2017, which was highlighted by a trip to the Division III Championship after winning the Decorah Regional and St. Paul Super Regional during the NCAA Tournament. With Powers at the helm, the Wildcats posted a 38-14 overall record and went 17-5 in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play to finish in second place in the conference standings.
In addition to earning Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors, Powers was named MIAC Coach-of-the-Year for the second consecutive season in 2017. Since taking over the program in 2014, Powers has only posted one losing record and has turned the Wildcats into not only one of the top programs in the MIAC but the nation as well.
First year pitching coach Kallie Rezny and assistant Jordan Rice were also recognized for their contributions to St. Kate's softball program. Rezny guided Wildcat pitchers to a 38-14 record during the 2017 season and helped junior ace Krista Flugstad (Bloomington, Minn. / Jefferson) earn All-Region and All-America honors with a 29-7 record during the year. Rice was also instrumental to the Wildcats success as the team's top assistant, working with both catchers and infielders during the season.
St. Kate's coaching staff was one of eight to receive the NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Powers and her staff is now under consideration to receive the NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year honor, which will be announced later this month.
To read more, visit the .
Adapted from story by Kelsey Whaley