LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After leading Virginia Tech softball to its second NCAA Super Regional appearance in school history, head coach Pete D'Amour and his coaching staff have been recognized as the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year, the organization announced Thursday.
D'Amour shares the honor with assistant coaches Doug Gillis and Mike Lewis and volunteer assistant Andrew Stover. This is the second time D'Amour and his staff have been recognized with the award after earning it following the 2019 season, and sixth time in school history that the Virginia Tech coaching staff has been named the Mid-Atlantic staff of the year (2013, 2012, 2008, 2007).
"The members of my staff work their tails off and are as knowledgeable about the game as any coaching staff around," D'Amour said. "I'm thankful to have all three here with me in Blacksburg and that they've been recognized for their efforts.
"I'd also like to recognize our support staff, most notably Whitney Davis Showalter, Sami Fagan, Caitlyn Nolan, Kristen Matthis, Kelly Murphy, and Dr. Gary Bennett. I'm sure I forgot a few, but it's a total effort to see results on the field.
"We'd all agree that a coaching staff is only as good as the players they coach," D'Amour said. "I'd like to thank our kids for this award as well. Go Hokies!"
2021 was a banner year for the Hokies, advancing to the Super Regionals for just the second time in school history in D'Amour's second full season as head coach. D'Amour also won his 100th game at Virginia Tech this year, becoming the fastest head coach in school history to reach the milestone, doing so in just 127 contests.
With Thursday's distinction, D'Amour and company are now eligible for the NFCA's Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 24.
2021 NFCA Division I Regional Coaching Staff of the Year
Central Region, Oklahoma
Great Lakes Region, Michigan
Mid-Atlantic Region, Virginia Tech
Mideast Region, Miami (Ohio)
Midwest Region, South Dakota State
Northeast Region, James Madison
Pacific Region, Washington
South Region, Arkansas
Southeast Region, Duke
West Region, UCLA
