University of North Texas Athletics
Burns Receives Four-Star Master Coach Award
12/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. North Texas softball coach Kelly Burns was one of 19 coaches to receive the distinction of Four-Star Master Coach from The National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
The 19 coaches, the second graduating class to earn the honor, completed the curriculum during the 2006 year and were awarded plaques to commemorate the accomplishment during the closing business meeting of the 2006 NFCA National Convention in Tucson, Ariz.
Burns completed her second master's degree in kinesiology this past summer from TWU.
"These awards show the commitment of these coaches to professionalism and to the sport of softball," NFCC Director Sharon Drysdale said. "It reflects the time and energy they put into bettering their coaching, and not only will it make them better coaches, but it will make their teams and the game better. It also makes the NFCC courses better when you have such quality individuals taking the courses and sharing their experiences."
Kelly Burns of the University of North Texas, Chris Cannata from the University of Albany, Tracy Cromer from Northwestern College, Jack Daniels of North Platte Community College, Cheryl Dickens from Tarleton State University, Jodi Eickemeyer from the University of Dayton, Ellen Eubanks from Northeast Texas Community College, Becky Hall of Wittenberg University, Jodi Hermanek and Julie Strand from Southern Utah University, Jennifer Jones of Mary Washington College, Mamie Jones from North Carolina A&T State University, Della Mitchel of McCook Community College, Jennifer Walter of College of St. Scholastica and Jim Ware from Broadneck High School all completed either one or two courses to receive their four-star award during the convention.
The NFCC awards a star for every two courses taken leading up to the four-star distinction, which is received upon completion of all eight NFCC courses.
"We looked forward to presenting the four-star master coach awards when we started the NFCC six years ago, and it is exciting to see the culmination of the hard work of those who have completed the NFCC curriculum," said NFCA Executive Director Lacy Lee Baker. "Our goal is to help coaches be the best they can be, and we feel that this honor will aid the professional advancement of these coaches, their players and their programs."
The North Texas softball team opens its season at home on Wednesday, Feb. 14 against Oklahoma State.
