McLean County Times

A notable achievement for Illinois Wesleyan University's softball coaching staff was announced as they were named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Region VIII Coaching Staff of the Year. The announcement was made on June 4, following a successful season under the leadership of head coach Tiffany Prager, alongside assistant coaches Nikki Miller, Kimmy Hassel, and Bob Grimes.

The coaching team led the Titans to an impressive 37-9 record this season. They won both the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin regular season and tournament championships. Additionally, they advanced to the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament Super Regionals for the first time since 2019. During this season, Illinois Wesleyan achieved a streak of 25 consecutive wins, surpassing their previous program record of 21.

Eight players from Illinois Wesleyan received All-CCIW honors, while Jen Kuhn, Ella Hermes, and Bella Pinter were recognized with All-Region status by the NFCA. Kuhn further distinguished herself by earning First Team All-America honors and receiving the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at shortstop. She became only the third player in program history to win this award. Meanwhile, Ava Khoury and Mallory Holland made history as they became the first pair from IWU to win NFCA National Player of the Week awards together.

Coaching staffs from each of NFCA's ten Division III regions are now in contention for the ATEC/NFCA Division III National Coaching Staff of the Year award. This includes teams from Wesleyan University (Conn.), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ithaca College, Rowan University, Gettysburg College, Virginia Wesleyan University, Trine University, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, East Texas Baptist University along with Illinois Wesleyan University. The winner will be revealed on June 11.