Michigan State University Athletics
Joseph Announced as NFCA Hall of Fame Inductee
12/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
East Lansing, Mich. -- Michigan State head softball coach Jacquie Joseph will be inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame in December 2016, as announced this evening at the annual NFCA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joseph will be recognized as part of the Pioneer category of the NFCA Hall of Fame, which recognizes a member that has contributed above and beyond to the sport of fastpitch softball through service, leadership, coaching and/or participation. Since taking over the Spartan program in 1994, the head coach has become the winningest coach in program history, guiding MSU to a 588-591-1 record and four NCAA Regional appearances. In addition, Joseph eclipsed the 700-win plateau in 2013, with a 724-723-1 career mark to her credit (21 seasons at MSU, and five at Bowling Green).
In September of 2002, Joseph started a four-year term as a member of the NCAA softball committee. In December of 1998, she completed her fourth and final year as president of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) after serving as vice president of the NFCA from 1993-94.
For Joseph, whose candidacy was supported by colleagues, former players, and her current team and staff, this will be her third Hall of Fame induction. A native of Flint, Mich., Joseph was enshrined in the Carman-Ainsworth High School Hall of Fame in the fall of 2002 as a member of the 1980 state championship team, and then was inducted as an individual in the fall of 2005. Collegiately, Joseph led Central Michigan to three MAC titles and three National Tournament appearances as a two-time First-Team All-MAC selection. Joseph graduated from Central Michigan in 1985 with a degree in business administration and earned her master's degree from CMU in business in `87. She was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013 as a member of the school's 1982 team which compiled a 42-9 regular-season record and advanced to the AIAW World Series.
NFCA First Vice President Pat Conlan announced the class of 2016 at the conclusion of the 2015 induction ceremony. In addition to Joseph, Sam Houston State head coach Bob Brock, University of St. Thomas (Minn.) head coach John Tschida and former Utah head coach Mona Steven will be inducted at the 2016 NFCA Convention on Dec. 9, 2016 in New Orleans, La. The 2015 NFCA Hall of Fame class included head coaches, Jo Evans of Texas A&M, Anita Kubicka of Montclair State and Clint Myers of Auburn. The trio was recognized for their outstanding achievements and service to the sport of softball in a banquet and ceremony conducted in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis' Atrium Ballroom.
