2025 Speakers

Head Coach Carol Hutchins, now retired, is an iconic figure in NCAA softball history and the winningest coach in the sport with a career record of 1,707-551-5 over 39 seasons. At the helm of the University of Michigan softball program, Hutchins guided her teams to remarkable success, capturing 22 Big Ten regular-season titles, 10 Big Ten Tournament championships, and 18 NCAA Regional crowns. Under her leadership, the Wolverines qualified for the NCAA Tournament 29 times and made 12 appearances in the NCAA Women’s College World Series, including winning the NCAA Championship. Her squads consistently performed at the highest level, earning her 18 Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year honors, eight NFCA Regional Coach of the Year awards, and two NFCA National Coach of the Year honors. Hutchins’ coaching excellence extended to her staff as well, with the Michigan coaching staff being named Great Lakes Region Coaching Staff of the Year 15 times and Speedline/NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2005.

In 2016, she received the inaugural espnW Pat Summitt Coaching Award, a testament to her embodiment of the character and courage exemplified by the legendary basketball coach. Hutchins’ legacy is not just in the titles won, but in the lives she touched and the standards of excellence she set in collegiate athletics. Inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006, she remains a revered figure in the world of sports and the winningest coach in NCAA Softball history.

Jordan Clark was named as Florida Atlantic’s head softball coach in June of 2022 and has soared to unprecedented early success in her coaching career. 

Under Clark’s guidance, the Owls put forth their best campaign in years during the 2024 season, with a 41-16 record and their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2016. In their inaugural season with the American Athletic Conference, FAU took the league by storm with a 21-6 record in conference play and finished on top as the AAC regular season champions.

The Owls racked up awards, with Clark and her assistants being named the AAC Coaching Staff of the Year. Kiley Channell was named Rookie of the Year and selected to the All-Rookie Team, while Ainsley Lambert, Katelynn de Leon, Kamryn Jackson, Presley Leebrick, and Trinity Schlotterbeck were named First Team All-Conference. Sophomore Jesiana Mora was named Second Team All-Conference. 

In 2023 she helped lead the Purple and Aqua to a 54-5 overall record to claim their third straight title.  Webb’s offense again ranked as one of the best in the NJCAA ranks, finishing the season with a .357 team batting average while putting up over 7 runs per game on the year. For the third straight season, three FSW sluggers were named All-Americans including Shenita Tucker and Feline Poot who got the nod for the second straight season.

In the Bucs second title run in 2022, FSW hit .396 as a team under Webb’s guidance, putting up nearly 9 runs per game. Three of the Bucs nine full time starters in the lineup were named NJCAA All-Americans including Feline Poot who was named the Suncoast Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season while picking up 2nd Team All-American honors.

Sean Cotter was hired in the fall of 2017 as the eighth head coach of Barry University’s softball program.

Bringing 17 years of collegiate coaching experience at every level of the NCAA to Barry, Cotter owns an overall head coaching record of 565-479-2, with stops at Teikyo-Post, Plattsburg State, and Massachusetts-Lowell in addition to the Bucs.

Rising to the challenges faced in a schedule that featured 18 contests against nine teams that advanced to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, the 2024 campaign saw the Bucs record their most wins since 2013 behind a 34-18 record which led to Cotter earning his first SSC Coach of the Year award. On the field, Maci Barnhart, Alexis Toledo and Caroline Figueroa all earned All-SSC accolades, with Barnhart and Toledo both receiving All-Region attention. 

Aly Bermudez grew up in Londonderry, NH and fell in love with softball at a young age. She played elite travel and high school softball before playing college softball at Lasell University in Newton, MA. Aly has coached travel and high school softball as well as giving private and group pitching lessons. She moved to Florida in September 2021, joining the Bishop Verot High School softball staff shortly after and assisting with several travel programs in southwest Florida.

Aly is part of the Tincher Pitching School and consults with various experts in body movement and softball/baseball as part of her mission to teach healthy, efficient movement in all aspects of softball. Her passion for mentoring and inspiring others is at the forefront of her coaching – Focusing on creating a high-energy, positive, and collaborative culture. Aly’s goal with the NCF softball program is to build a team that competes at a high level, stays inspired and hungry, and supports its players and coaches in becoming the best versions of themselves.

William Hoopes is a seasoned Motivational and Life Purpose Speaker at Lead Your Journey – Mentor. Lead. Develop, where he empowers individuals to discover and achieve their purpose. With years of experience as a softball coach, parent, and tournament director, William has a deep understanding of the game and youth development. In addition to his work as a Franchise Owner at Capital Tacos, he serves as the Florida State Director for Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF), where he continues to impact the sport. His blend of leadership, coaching, and business expertise makes him a compelling and insightful presenter.

Introducing Kimberly Nivala, the Owner and Umpire at Jax Traveling Umpire Association. With a deep love for softball, Kimberly leads a team that delivers quality officiating services to various organizations across Florida. Specializing in softball, Kimberly’s expertise and dedication ensure that every game is officiated with precision and fairness. Through Jax Traveling Umpire Association, Kimberly and her team are committed to upholding the integrity of the game, providing players, coaches, and fans with a reliable and knowledgeable officiating experience. Kimberly Nivala: your trusted source for professional softball officiating in the Sunshine State.

Dr. Andrew Kupper is a leading expert in sports medicine, specializing in the rehabilitation and performance management of athletes across all levels, from high school to professional. He has medically managed NFL draft prospects through the combine and pro days, and oversees comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Dr. Kupper collaborates closely with orthopedic and podiatric surgeons, as well as athletic trainers, to ensure optimal patient care. He integrates advanced technologies such as Nord Boards, Force Decks, and Trazer into functional return-to-sport testing. Additionally, Dr. Kupper is a guest lecturer at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Physical Therapy program.

Natalie Lopez is a highly skilled Performance Coach and Trainer, serving as the Head of Softball and Baseball Development at X3. A former DI softball player, Natalie brings firsthand experience and deep understanding to athlete development. She has a proven track record of enhancing performance for players at all levels, with a dedication to fostering growth and excellence in both softball and baseball. Applying cutting-edge training techniques and individualized coaching strategies, Natalie ensures that each athlete reaches their full potential. Her leadership at X3 continues to set new standards in sports performance and development.

Kristine Dolunt brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached softball at the youth, high school, and college levels. She has served as an Assistant Coach at Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State, as well as an Outfield Coach at the University of Michigan. With her deep knowledge of the game and firsthand experience in recruiting, Kristine will be discussing how softball players can leverage social media to enhance their recruiting opportunities. Her insights will be invaluable for athletes looking to take their game to the next level both on and off the field.