Virginia Softball Staff Named ATEC/NFCA Regional Coaching Staff Of The Year

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia softball coaching staff, led by eighth year head coach Joanna Hardin, was named the ATEC NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region it was announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) on Monday (June 10).

Hardin and staff led Virginia to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history this season, and the first time since 2010, as the Cavaliers advanced to the regional championship game against No. 3 Tennessee. Virginia shut out No. 24 Miami (OH), one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, twice in regional play to advance to the regional final.

The Cavaliers finished fourth in the ACC and won seven-of-eight series played in league play, including series wins over No. 11 Clemson and at No. 3 Duke. It is the most ACC series wins in a single season in program history. The Cavaliers finished the year with 34 wins to post back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time since Virginia hit the 30-win mark for five straight years (2001-2005).

Hardin and staff coached a trio of players to All-ACC honors with Eden Bigham and Jade Hylton earning first-team honors, while Shelby Barbee was named a third-team selection. Bigham and Hylton also earned All-Region First Team recognition from the NFCA.