LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Fastpitch Coaches Association is pleased to announce Dan Grantz, head coach at Lafayette High School (Ky.), is the 2023 recipient of the Association’s Humanitarian Award. Grantz is being recognized for organizing a tournament to help the Buckhorn High School softball program after its town was impacted by the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky.
During the 2023 season, Lafayette partnered with Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Ky. to host the Five-Star General Tournament for Eastern Kentucky relief on April 28-29 at Great Crossing Park and Great Crossing High. Featuring 24 teams, the largest regular-season high school tournament in the state, the event saw teams donate softball equipment and money.
"We were so proud that the teams across the state could come together and support an area in need," Grantz said.
Along with Breahitt County head coach Mike Talbee, Grantz delivered the softball equipment and monetary donations of over $5,000 to Buckhorn High on August 19, 2023, approximately one year after the floods.
Buckhorn High athletic director Kristie Combs told Grantz they lost everything in the flood, and had to relocate to the AB Combs School Building in Perry County until the high school can be repaired. Buckhorn head coach Jamie Mullins and principal Jennifer Day were excited to receive the equipment and looking forward to rebuilding their high school and softball program.
The NFCA’s Humanitarian Award recognizes a member coach who has selflessly dedicated time toward the long-term betterment of the community and/or engaged in charitable activities in the service of others. Grantz will be honored in front of his peers on Dec. 9 during the NFCA Awards Brunch at the 2023 NFCA Convention, Dec. 6-9 at at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its extensive awards and scholarships program, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from NFCA podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.
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