LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Longtime official sponsor Schutt Sports has renewed with the NFCA, the Association announced on Monday. Signing a multi-year contract, Schutt Sports, one of the leading manufacturers of protective equipment in the world, continues as the title sponsor for the NFCA’s Player, Pitcher and Freshman of the Year awards.

"Schutt has been one of the longest and most loyal supporters of the Association and we are thrilled to have them continue as an Official Sponsor,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “NFCA Hall of Fame member Dianne Baker has played a huge role in the creation and extension of our partnership. Schutt is dedicated to the sport of softball and works tirelessly to develop outstanding products. Our Player, Pitcher, and Freshman of the Year awards celebrate and reward the 'best of the best' annually in each division. As a leader in the softball space, it is appropriate that Schutt is the title sponsor of these prestigious awards."

Each year, the Schutt Sports/NFCA Player and Pitcher of the Year honors the top student-athletes across the NFCA’s collegiate membership, while the Schutt Sport/NFCA Freshman of the Year is presented to the top rookie in NCAA DI, NCAA DII, NCAA DIII and NAIA. Since 2014, 67 student-athletes have been recognized as the NFCA’s top player, pitcher and freshman in the country.

“Working with the NFCA is one of our most rewarding relationships,” said Dianne Baker, National Promotions Director for Schutt Sports. “The NFCA has opened the door to many opportunities over the years and we’ve worked very hard with them to help grow the game of softball. It has been a win-win for both of us. Their influence in the sport is second-to-none. We are very excited and proud to continue to be one of their major partners.”

About the NFCA

Established in 1983, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization of over 5,500 members for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play, along with umpires, clubs, businesses and fans of fastpitch softball. Headquartered in Louisville, Ky., the NFCA boasts members from all 50 states and several international countries.

Education, events and awards are the pillars of the organization, highlighted by the annual National Convention, regional Coaches Clinics, in-person seminars, All-America teams, Leadoff Classics and summer student-athlete camps. Members are also recognized for their on-and-off-the field contributions, while their student-athletes are honored for their academic and athletic achievements.

In addition to all of the above, education remains our top priority. Featuring a grassroots Coaching Tools package consisting of practice plans, drills and evaluation forms, the NFCA also disseminates podcasts, forums, a Digital Education Library, Virtual Coaches Clinics, webinars, a mentoring program, publications, a Drills Database, legal counsel and accurate and credible information surrounding the sport. 

About Schutt Sports
Schutt Sports is heralded as one of the leading manufacturers of protective equipment in the world, including football helmets, shoulder pads, protective apparel and padding, and much more. 37% of the players in the NFL wear Schutt helmets, including over 50% of the skill position players in the league. Schutt Sports is the only major helmet manufacturer to advance beyond traditional foam padding, instead using TPU (thermoplastic urethane) Cushioning, which has been proven to absorb more impact across a wider variety of temperatures than any other helmet system on the field. Schutt Sports is also the Official Base Supplier to Major League Baseball and is the largest domestic maker of batting helmets in the USA.