Sept. 18, 2003
The University of Iowa’s softball coaching staff was named National FastpitchCoaching Association Mideast Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Head Coach Gayle Blevins and assistants Michelle Venturella and Holly Van Vlymen earnedthe honor after leading the Hawkeyes to a 44-15 record and Big Ten Regular Season andTournament Championships. Iowa then qualified for the NCAA Regional Tournament inLincoln, NE. The team advanced to the championship game before being eliminated by topseeded
Washington.The trio is now eligible for NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Voting forNational Coaching Staff of the Year will be done by NFCA members until July 11.