LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic returns on Feb. 10-12, 2023, for a three-day showcase of collegiate softball. Featuring 16 programs from nine conferences, the 20th edition of the event will take place at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
"I can't think of a better way to start the 2023 season than to head to Clearwater, Fla., for our NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic!” NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman said. “Our tournament will give fans the first opportunity to see many of the best teams in the country in one place.”
Highlighting the field are 2022 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) runner-up Texas and fellow WCWS participant Northwestern. In all, 14 of the 16 squads played in their conference tournament a year ago, with 10 advancing to the 2022 NCAA Regionals. Both Texas and Northwestern captured NCAA Regional and Super Regional titles on their path to the WCWS in Oklahoma City.
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Three Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) — Howard, Prairie View A&M and Southern — will participate in the 2023 Leadoff, while four teams — Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville and Missouri — return from the previous Leadoff in 2020. Other teams in the field are Fordham, Illinois, Indiana, Pittsburgh, St. John’s, South Alabama and Tennessee.
"In support of all divisions, the NFCA annually hosts several Leadoff Classic Tournaments; Division II and NJCAA in odd-numbered years, Division III and NAIA in even-numbered years,” Bruggeman said. “We host our Division I Leadoff Classic in specific years to celebrate significant events or milestones surrounding the sport and/or the Association. Our most recent Division I Leadoff Classic took place in February 2020 (also in Clearwater, Fla.) to celebrate softball in the Olympics. With Team USA as a participant, the atmosphere was electric. In 2023, the NFCA will celebrate its 40th anniversary as an Association. One of the many ways we will observe this special milestone is to host a premier Division I tournament."
Bruggeman is excited about the inclusion of the HBCU schools.
"One of the NFCA's core values is 'respect for a diverse fastpitch community.' We are honored to have three HBCU institutions participate in our prestigious event,” she said. “Thanks to generous donations from our members over the years, the NFCA created a special Diversity account. Monies from this account have provided Convention scholarships to deserving honorees. Participating Leadoff HBCU institutions will be provided entry-fee scholarships from this same account to provide opportunities for these institutions to compete in this first-class event."
Each team will play a total of five games at the 2023 Leadoff over three days. Click HERE for a complete schedule.
Following a five-year hiatus, the Division I Leadoff Classic returned to Clearwater in 2020, highlighted by the inclusion of the United States National Team, which was on its “Stand Beside Her” Tour presented by Major League Baseball, a series of events leading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Mississippi State, which posted a 4-0 mark, took home the 2020 title on run-differential average. Joining the Bulldogs with undefeated weekends were Illinois (4-0), Kentucky (4-0) and Missouri (5-0). Over its four games, Mississippi State led the tournament with a .343 batting average, seven doubles, and 26 RBI. The Bulldogs’ pitching staff also had the lowest ERA at 0.52 with two shutouts, 36 strikeouts and a .160 batting average against.
This marks the fifth consecutive tournament in Clearwater (2012-14, 2020, 2023). The first 15 tournaments were held in Columbus, Ga., from 1996 through 2010. Michigan has captured the most Leadoff titles with three, while Louisiana and Washington (won the inaugural in 1996) have each won twice.
2023 participating teams: Auburn, Fordham, Howard, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Missouri, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Prairie View A&M, St. John's, South Alabama, Southern, Tennessee and Texas.
Previous Division I Leadoff Classic champions
2020 – Mississippi State
2014 – Hofstra
2013 – Louisiana
2012 – DePaul
2010 – Illinois
2008 – Michigan
2007 – Georgia Tech & Michigan
2005 – Oklahoma
2004 – LSU
2003 – UMass
2002 – Nebraska
2001 – Stanford
2000 – Washington
1999 – Louisiana
1998 – Michigan
1997 – South Carolina
1996 – Washington
*2006 & 2009 tournaments were rained out
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded coaches polls and All-America awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to awards, to in-person events and National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of coaches today! In August 2022, for the first time in Association history, the NFCA surpassed 6,000 members.
