Completed Event: Softball versus Georgia on May 18, 2025 , Loss , 2, to, 5 , (F/8)
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Duke Named NFCA Southeast Region Staff of the Year
6/10/2024 3:01:00 PM | Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For the third time in four years, the Duke softball coaching staff has been named the Southeast Region Staff of the Year, as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) on Monday afternoon.
Duke head coach Marissa Young, along with her staff of assistant coaches Olivia Watkins, Taylor Wike and Bryan Jones and director of player development Nicole Schaffer, helped guide the Blue Devils to another record-setting season.
Duke saw its strongest campaign in 2024, setting a program record with a 52-9 overall ledger, capturing its second ACC Championship, third straight NCAA Super Regional appearance and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in program history.
Under the staff's leadership, the Blue Devils developed three NFCA All-Americans in Claire Davidson, Aminah Vega and Jala Wright. Davidson was one of five unanimous selections and joined Vega as the first players to garner first team recognition, while Wright earned second team honors.
Duke also brought home four of the five major ACC end-of-year awards. Davidson and Wright were unanimously voted the ACC Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively, while Vega was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Young was also tabbed the Coach of the Year for the first time in her career. All four major awards were the first in program history.
A league-high four Blue Devils were also honored with First Team All-ACC distinction in Davidson, Wright, Vega and sophomore Cassidy Curd, while freshman Amiah Burgess was selected to the All-ACC third team. Burgess was also named to the All-ACC freshman team.
After receiving four top-10 preseason rankings, the Blue Devils continued to climb in the polls throughout the season. Duke broke into the top-5 of all four major polls for the first time following a three-game sweep of then-No. 15 Virginia Tech. The Blue Devils earned the program's first No. 1 ranking when Softball America unveiled its Top 25 poll in week nine.
NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year are voted by member Division I head coaches in each respective region.
By earning this award, the staff is now eligible for the NFCA's Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 20.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Duke head coach Marissa Young, along with her staff of assistant coaches Olivia Watkins, Taylor Wike and Bryan Jones and director of player development Nicole Schaffer, helped guide the Blue Devils to another record-setting season.
Duke saw its strongest campaign in 2024, setting a program record with a 52-9 overall ledger, capturing its second ACC Championship, third straight NCAA Super Regional appearance and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in program history.
Under the staff's leadership, the Blue Devils developed three NFCA All-Americans in Claire Davidson, Aminah Vega and Jala Wright. Davidson was one of five unanimous selections and joined Vega as the first players to garner first team recognition, while Wright earned second team honors.
Duke also brought home four of the five major ACC end-of-year awards. Davidson and Wright were unanimously voted the ACC Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively, while Vega was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Young was also tabbed the Coach of the Year for the first time in her career. All four major awards were the first in program history.
A league-high four Blue Devils were also honored with First Team All-ACC distinction in Davidson, Wright, Vega and sophomore Cassidy Curd, while freshman Amiah Burgess was selected to the All-ACC third team. Burgess was also named to the All-ACC freshman team.
After receiving four top-10 preseason rankings, the Blue Devils continued to climb in the polls throughout the season. Duke broke into the top-5 of all four major polls for the first time following a three-game sweep of then-No. 15 Virginia Tech. The Blue Devils earned the program's first No. 1 ranking when Softball America unveiled its Top 25 poll in week nine.
NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year are voted by member Division I head coaches in each respective region.
By earning this award, the staff is now eligible for the NFCA's Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 20.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
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