LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has unveiled their honorees for the 2023 ATEC/NFCA Division III Regional Coaching Staff of the Year, with the Trine University softball coaching staff honored from region seven. One coaching staff from each of the NCAA's ten regions were selected as the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year, making them eligible for the ATEC/NFCA Division III National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 19.
The Thunder are led by head coach Donnie Danklefsen in his 19th season at the helm of the program. He is assisted by Sydnie Foster and Dennis Smith. The team's 44 wins in 2023 sets a new high mark for most in a season in program history and they are on the doorstep of a national championship for the second consecutive year.
Statistically, the Thunder lead all of NCAA Division III in earned run average as a team at 1.02. Their 22 shutouts is the second-most in the country and they have the second-best strikeout-to-walk ratio at 6.95. The pitching staff is third overall in WHIP at 0.81.
In the batter's box, Trine is inside the top ten statistically in most doubles (89), hit by pitch (40), homeruns (38), on-base percentage (.422), slugging percentage (.516) and total runs (333). Individually, national freshman of the year Debbie Hill is credited with the second-best slugging percentage at .927 with her 13 longballs this season.