Aug. 29, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lisa Navas, recently added to the South Carolina softball staff as the associate head coach, picked up an honor from her summer job, as her and her staff garnered the National Pro Fastpitch Coaching Staff of the Year award.

Navas coached the Carolina Diamonds in the team’s first season of existence to a respectable third-place showing in the league. Three of the top four players in home runs hailed from her squad, and catcher Rachel Folden led the league with an 1.137 OPS (on-base + slugging percentage). Meanwhile, Diamonds pitcher Katie Burkhart finished third in the league in strikeouts behind Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman. Other notables included All-NPF honorees GiOvanni DiSalvitore and Bianca Meija.

“I was truly surprised and honored to receive the award,” said Navas. “It is a true testament to the Carolina Diamonds and the staff that put the team together. I had the most fun coaching this team. It reminded me why I coach. Now I am excited to be in Columbia and get started with the Gamecocks.”

Navas received a standing ovation from the entire league at the banquet last week in Chicago prior to the start of the NPF playoffs.

Nominated by the owners, Navas was a unanimous selection by the same group.

South Carolina softball has a new stadium rising from the site that has hosted the team for 30 years. It is expected to open in March 2013 in time for the start of SEC play.