Hop named NFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Mount Mercy Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach Skylar Hop was honored this week as one of 11 coaches named 2023 Easton/NFCA Assistant Coaches of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and voted for by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee.

Hop has been key to Mount Mercy winning over 30 games and reaching the Heart of America Athletic Conference finals in each of her first three seasons on the coaching staff. Under her guidance, Hop mentored two-time Heart of America Pitcher of the Year and NAIA first-team all-American Jayna Witzany. Not only does Hop oversee all aspects of the pitching staff, she also devises defensive game plans, works with outfielders, is in charge of analytics, and is the junior varsity head coach.

Off the field, Hop is involved with Mount Mercy's tutoring center (ACE), creating tutoring schedules and mentoring groups while also being involved in the hiring process of student workers. She also facilitates activities within the university's NAIA Champions of Character and volunteering initiatives.

These awards salute the efforts of coaches from the various NFCA membership categories for their tireless dedication to the sport of softball and to the continued education, growth and development of young women, both on and off the playing field. The winners will be recognized on Dec. 9 during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.

2023 NFCA Assistant Coaches of the Year
NCAA Division I: Jennifer Rocha (Oklahoma)
NCAA Division II: Rose Imbriano (Concordia Irvine)
NCAA Division III: Caitlin Wnek (Wisconsin-La Crosse)
NAIA: Skylar Hop (Mount Mercy)
NJCAA Divison I: Jason Miller (Grayson College)
NJCAA Division II: Charli Crawford (Murray State College)
NJCAA Division III: William Collins (Rowan College South Jersey)
Cal JC: Cortny Magorian (Sierra College)
NWAC: Brianna Benoit (Southwestern Oregon CC)
High School: Nicki Cardosa (Wayland Union)
Travel Ball: Dr. Kirk Newring (Gretna Storm 14U-C)