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

Head Coach Grant Young and Assistant Coaches Tim Zumsteg, Logan Schamerloh and Craig Vonder Haar were recognized during the NFCA Awards Brunch on December 7 at the 2024 NFCA Convention in Dallas, Texas.

The award was voted on by high school and college head softball coaches from across the United States.

“On behalf of our entire coaching staff, I would like to thank everyone involved for the financial support and recognition of this major national award presented to our staff,” Young said. “From the School District of Washington, to Washington High School Athletics, to our Booster Club, and to player fundraising, we appreciate the opportunity to receive this award in person alongside other recipients like Patty Gasso from the University of Oklahoma, the D1 Coach of the Year, and others. This is the highest honor any high school staff can achieve in the sport of softball in the nation, and to represent our program, school, and community is such a blessing. The development and dedication of our players, past and present, have made this all possible to achieve this recognition.”

The softball 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.

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.

Washington High School’s softball coaching staff was recognized for being named
the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) High School National Coaching
Staff of the Year for the 2023-24 season during the NFCA Convention December 4-7
in Dallas. From left are Head Coach Grant Young and Assistant Coaches Logan Schamerloh,
Tim Zumsteg and Craig Vonder Haar.