Louisville, Ky. — Adding another major milestone to a groundbreaking, record-shattering season, the Colby Softball coaching staff has been named the Region 1 Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

The regional honor places Head Coach Terren Allen and Assistant Head Coach Dorothy O'Donnell among an elite group of just 10 coaching staffs recognized nationwide across Division III for their exceptional leadership, strategic execution, and program success during the 2026 campaign.

Led by Allen and O'Donnell, the Mules put together the most successful season in the program's history, finishing the year with a spectacular 30-14 overall record. The 30 victories mark the most wins in a single season in program history.

Under this staff's direction, Colby achieved a series of historic program "firsts" this spring. The Mules earned their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in school history, traveling to the NCAA Bangor (Maine) Regional. There, the coaching staff masterfully managed the roster to capture the NCAA Regional Championship title and advance to the Sweet 16.

The historic run eventually came to a close in a hard-fought battle on the road against host Rowan University in the NCAA Glassboro (N.J.) Super Regional round.

By fostering a culture of resilience and high-level execution on Mayflower Hill, Allen and O'Donnell have officially cemented Colby Softball as a rising powerhouse on the national landscape.

CLICK HERE for the full NFCA release 5/28