LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Chenita Rogers-Edwards, a head coach at Diamond Ranch High School and with the Corona Angels travel ball program, is the 2023 recipient of the NFCA’s Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with Sue Enquist.
The scholarship is awarded to a Black coach who has created educational or athletic opportunities for their community, has removed and overcome obstacles through social change, or has opened doors for growing the game of fastpitch for Black girls or women. The scholarship is presented to an individual who embodies courage and commitment to break down barriers, create change within our sport, and has a need for financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention.
Rogers-Edwards will receive a 2023 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement up to $700 and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Louisville.
Instilling a great work ethic, Rogers-Edwards has been inspiration to a lot of softball players and has helped her athletes develop into some of the top players across all collegiate levels. Considering it her duty to give back to young female athletes and girls that look like her, Rogers-Edwards sees it as her gift and passion to help change young lives and at the end of the day feels blessed to have this opportunity.
“Chenita exemplifies what it means to be a role model for young Black girls who want to play softball at the collegiate level,” said NYU Head Coach Now-Allah James. “She is a prime example of someone they see and work with that has had success at the top level and demonstrated what great work ethic can achieve.”
Additionally, Rogers-Edwards is the Director of the National College Resources Foundation Student-Athlete Program (SAP). This program focuses on connecting students to college sports programs with resources to help them succeed, while providing necessary support to assist student-athletes excel in the classroom, in their sport and in life.
Its mission is to curtail high school dropout rates and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved, under-represented, at risk, low resource, homeless and foster students. Their vision is to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce and economic disparities, with the goal to end racism and racial inequality.
A 20-year coaching veteran, Rogers-Edwards is a former USA National Team standout, a two-time NFCA All-American and a member of the NCAA’s 25th Anniversary Team (2006). An NCAA All-Decade selection (1980-89), the Cal State Fullerton standout helped the Titans to a Women’s College World Series title in 1986 and represented the Red, White and Blue in New Zealand and China.
“Chenita continues to be a great ambassador for our sport in promoting diversity and helping grow the game,” said James.
Reviewed and voted on by the NFCA Awards Committee and Natasha Watley, the recipient must be a coach who seeks and desires educational opportunity by attending the NFCA Convention and requires financial assistance to cover the NFCA Convention costs.
Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its extensive awards and scholarships program, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from NFCA podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of 6,500 coaches today!