2026 NJCAA Appreciation Award
Appreciation Award
The Appreciation Award is handed out strictly at the discretion of the current NJCAA President & CEO to recognize superior contributions to the Association. This award can be bestowed to an individual, group or member college. To view a list of past winners, visit: Appreciation Award Past Winners
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)
Established in 1983, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play. The NFCA honors and elevates softball in the NJCAA by presenting student-athlete awards and scholarships for coaches.
On March 11, 2025, the NFCA prompted the public #SameGameSameRules movement on behalf of the NJCAA. Along with 15 other national coaches' associations, the NFCA formally sent a request for change to the NCAA and its constituent groups requesting adjusted bylaws creating equal opportunities for two-year college transfers.
The NJCAA earnestly advocated for change in accessibility rules for NJCAA student-athletes to transfer to the NCAA Division I level for eight years. The support from the NFCA encouraged other coaches' associations to align with the NJCAA's goal of advocating for change.
"It's hard to put into words the depths of our appreciation to the NFCA and Executive Director, Carol Bruggeman," NJCAA Senior Vice President - COO & CFO, Michelle Meadows, expressed. "The NJCAA has fought for years to level the playing field for two-year college student-athletes to have fair opportunities to compete at the NCAA level. When the NFCA heard our story, they did not hesitate to join us in this effort and advocate for change, inspiring 15 other coaches associations to submit formal requests to the NCAA that we are hopeful will change the lives of student-athletes for years to come. It's a true testament to their courage, leadership and commitment to two-year college coaches, student-athletes, and member institutions."
The #SameGameSameRules campaign will not go away until two-year college student-athletes are presented with rules consistent for four-year college transfers. The NJCAA appreciates the boldness of the NFCA to stand with our student-athletes and advocate for change.
For all 2026 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2025-26 NJCAA Honors Announced
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home