The University of Michigan softball coaching crew has been selected the ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching crew of the Year, a monumental honor for leadership, strategy, and player development. This accolade, bestowed by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and ATEC, reflects the program’s dedication to excellence on and off the field during the 2025 collegiate softball season.
Led by Head Coach Bonnie Tholl, who is in her second year at the helm after succeeding the great Carol Hutchins, the coaching staff has delivered a tremendous campaign that has not only restored the Wolverines’ competitive edge but also elevated them as a national force. Along with Tholl, assistants Jennifer Brundage and Amanda Chidester—both Michigan legends in their own right—brought a combination of exceptional experience, tactical skill, and unrivaled commitment to the players and program.
Under their leadership, the Wolverines posted an excellent overall record and dominated conference play in the Big Ten, advancing to the NCAA Tournament and making a deep playoff run. The staff’s ability to maximize player development, maintain a team-first attitude, and adjust game strategy against some of the country’s top programs contributed significantly to their success and the NFCA’s decision to present this coveted award.
“It’s truly an honor,” said Coach Tholl in the team’s official press release. “This distinction is for our entire program, not just the coaches. This honor recognizes the collective efforts of everyone involved in Michigan softball, from the student-athletes who give their all every day to the support personnel who make it all possible.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Wolverines’ season was their defensive stability and pitching depth, which were hallmarks of Coach Brundage’s leadership, particularly in the pitching rotation. Furthermore, the offensive prowess and discipline at the bat reflected Coach Chidester’s hitting philosophy, which emphasizes smart aggression and situational execution.
Beyond wins and losses, what distinguished the Michigan staff this year was their commitment to fostering a culture of accountability, resiliency, and unity. The team’s chemistry was frequently mentioned by pundits and opposition coaches, with many applauding the Wolverines’ poise under pressure and maturity in clutch circumstances.
The ATEC/NFCA award validates Michigan’s continuous heritage of success in collegiate softball, which is now thriving under a new generation of leadership. It also communicates to recruits, supporters, and competition that the Wolverines remain firmly entrenched among the nation’s finest programs.
With a strong core of returning players, high-profile recruits on the way, and a newly acclaimed coaching staff, Michigan softball’s future is as bright as its championship heritage.
As Coach Tholl put it, “This is only the beginning of the story we’re creating together.” “Go blue!”