JMU Secures NFCA Northeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – James Madison Head Coach Mickey Dean and his coaching staff were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I Northeast Region Staff of the Year, the organization announced earlier this week.

This is the third time in four season and the second consecutive year that JMU's coaches were recognized as the top staff in the region, having won the award in 2014 and 2016. The 2017 coaching staff is comprised of Dean and assistant coaches Loren LaPorte and Jennifer Herzig.

The Dukes wrapped up one of their most successful season in program history with a 52-8 overall record, the most wins in a single season in program and Colonial Athletic Association history. JMU claimed the 2017 CAA regular-season and tournament championships, the first time in program history that the Dukes have won back-to-back tournament titles. Holding a national ranking throughout the season, JMU ended the year with a No. 18 ranking in both the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll and ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 Poll. The Dukes made their fifth consecutive NCAA Regional appearance as JMU made it to the Waco Regional final.

JMU produced the program's first national player of the year as junior pitcher Megan Good was named Shutt Sports/NFCA National Player of the Year. The program's first three-time NFCA All-American, Good was named CAA Pitcher and Player of the Year, the first student-athlete in conference history to win both awards in the same season. Freshman pitcher Odicci Alexander was selected as CAA Rookie of the Year while Dean repeated as CAA Coach of the Year. The Dukes had eight players earned NFCA All-Region laurels and 11 student-athletes earned All-CAA honors.

JMU was one of 14 region coaching staffs to receive the honor and each staff is eligible for the NFCA's National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 28.

Calendar