LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NFCA is excited to announce the addition of global athletic leader New Balance Athletics, Inc. as an NFCA official sponsor. New Balance and the NFCA have joined together in a three-year agreement designed to grow the sport of fastpitch at all levels, focusing on softball players, coaches, and their combined effort to strive for excellence. 

“The NFCA is thrilled to welcome New Balance as an NFCA Official Sponsor,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “New Balance is an industry leader, associated with excellence. Our coaches are excited to see their commitment toward the fastpitch community. The New Balance/NFCA partnership presents many exciting future opportunities.”

New Balance will become the title sponsor of the NFCA Golden Shoe Award. This award is presented to one athlete in every division who exudes speed and embodies the New Balance pursuit of excellence. This base running award will be titled the New Balance/NFCA Golden Shoe Award.  A committee comprised of elected head coaches in each of the 10 represented divisions will select the winner of their respective award. Recipients will be honored at the conclusion of their season and recognized at the NFCA Convention. During the convention, New Balance will also be featured at a booth in the Exhibit Show.

“New Balance is proud to partner with the NFCA to help support the growth of fastpitch softball and the coaches that make it possible,” said Ray Hilvert, Vice President of Sports Marketing for New Balance. “This sponsorship reflects our shared core values of service and integrity, as well as a strong passion for the sport. It brings us into closer collaboration with the coaches and players at all levels of the game who will help inform our efforts and inspire our product innovation. We look forward to working with Carol and her team.”