Washington High School’s softball coaching staff has been named the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) High School National Coaching Staff of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

The NFCA announced the recognition on Thursday, August 22. The award was voted on by high school and college head softball coaches from across the United States.

The Lady Jays completed the 2023 softball season with a 37-1-1 overall record, capturing the MSHSAA Class 4 state championship. They ended the season on a school record 30-game winning streak and went unbeaten, 37-0, against teams from Missouri, including wins over Class 3 state champion Fatima and Class 5 state champion Francis Howell.

During their six postseason games, the Lady Jays outscored their opponents, 73-2. They did not allow a run in their three games of the district tournament, along with the state quarterfinal game.

Washington’s softball coaching staff consists of Head Coach Grant Young and Assistant Coaches Tim Zumsteg, Logan Schamerloh and Craig Vonder Haar.

Players on the 2023 Washington varsity softball team were seniors Taylor Brown, Elizabeth Reed, Lacy Monzyk, Kelsie Holtmeyer, Christine Gerling, Kendall Nix, Lauren Opfer, Maddie Guevara and Ella Lause. Juniors were Grace Molitor, Ellie Hopen and Chloe Mueller. The lone sophomore on the team was Maddie Kluesner. The lone freshman on the squad was Madisen Meyer. Managers were seniors Alayna Royal and Kaner Young.

Washington had four NFCA All-Region selections, 11 All-District honorees and six all-state recipients, including four on the first team.

Young, Zumsteg, Schamerloh and Vonder Haar will be recognized at the NFCA Awards Brunch on December 7 at the 2024 NFCA Convention in Dallas, Texas.