ATLANTA, Ga. – With over 1,400 attendees, the 2015 NFCA National Convention "Filled Its Bucket" as it kicked off on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, highlighted by the “First Pitch’s” keynote speaker Jon Gordon.

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Gordon, a best-selling author and motivational speaker, capped off the opening session with a highly anticipated 45-minute presentation that covered the premise of his new book “The Carpenter”. In closing, he challenged the coaches in attendance to come up with a “word” for 2016 and make it their own.

Gordon was preceded in the presentation with welcomes from NFCA president Rhonda Revelle (Nebraska) and NFCA interim executive director Carol Bruggeman, along with the recognition of the Mary Nutter recipients, top Strikeout Cancer fundraisers, four-star master coaches, top academic teams, the Golden Shoe and Diamond Cather of the Year plaudits.

For highlights of Wednesday's convention check out the photo gallery of today's activities

Prior to Gordon’s presentation, convention attendees were able to take part in a pre-convention seminar of their liking. Mental training expert Aaron Weintraub and licensed consulting psychologist Dr. Fran Pirozzolo offered “Mental Toughness and the Development of Talent,” while the newly created Assistant Coach University, founded by College of Charleston assistant coaches Ashley Chastain and Sam Marder. In the latter program, attendees were able to gather valuable information, which focused on three principles-: Foundation and Principles, Influence and Leadership and Business and Professionalism, from a panel of well respected head and assistant coaches from the college and travel ball ranks.

In addition to the speakers, coaches gathered on the first day to take part in several committee meetings and concluded their evening with the USSSA opening reception and Wilson “Queen of Diamonds” social.

Thursday kicks off with the opening of the sold out exhibit hall at 11:00 a.m. and the Easton Victory Club luncheon in which coaches, who reached milestone victories in 2015, are honored. In conjunction with the exhibit hall, a revamped silent auction will take place.  

Speakers, including head coach Tim Walton of two-time defending Division I national champion Florida and an all-star panel featuring Hall of Famers Cindy Bristow and Yvette Girourd and retired head coach Deb DiMatteo, take the stage.

The evening includes the popular and insightful mentoring session, featuring NFCA Hall of Famer Sue Enquist, where veteran coaches share their knowledge with up and coming coaches. Thursday concludes with sharing food and fellowship at either the Diamond Sports Social or the FCA Three-Dimensional Coaching Session.