LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nine member coaches were honored as the NFCA revealed its collegiate recipients of the 2025 Easton/NFCA Assistant Coach of the Year award, the Association announced on Wednesday. 

Garnering honors this year are Sam Marder (University of Oregon / DI), Katie Neubauer (University of Tampa / DII),  Brianna Cooper (Virginia Wesleyan University / DIII), Cheyenne Bricker (Southern Oregon University / NAIA), Ray Aguirre (Hutchinson Community College / NJCAA DI), Mateighia Tanner (Neosho County Community College / NJCAA DII), Josh Gooch (Patrick & Henry Community College / NJCAA DIII), Karlee Coughlin (Yuba College / Cal JC) and Emmylou Clark (Grays Harbor College / NWAC).

These awards recognize 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. 13 during the NFCA Convention's Awards Brunch in Las Vegas.

Cooper made an immediate impact in her first season with the Marlins as the program's pitching coach and lead recruiter, along with developing and aligning scouts. Her contributions, especially her work with the pitching staff, played a key role in VWU winning the ODAC regular season and tournament titles, finishing as the NCAA Division III national runner-up and mentoring several All-Conference, NFCA All-Region and NFCA All-America honorees. In addition to her coaching duties, Cooper was promoted to lead mentor of all at-risk student-athletes at VWU, meeting with academically at-risk students and serving the University in retention meetings and plannings.