In the afterglow of one of the most remarkable seasons in program history, the Linfield softball coaching staff has received distinction from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
 
Head coach Jackson Vaughan, assistant coach Emily Allen and pitching coach Amanda Knopf on Wednesday were chosen as the ATEC/NFCA Region X Coaching Staff of the Year.
 
The trio guided Linfield to a 46-6 season which included the Northwest Conference regular-season title, the NWC Tournament championship, as well as NCAA Division III Regional and Super Regional crowns.
 
Linfield's 27-1 NWC record equaled the best mark versus conference opponents in league history.
 
Vaughan, in his 22nd season, guided Linfield to the NCAA championship finals for the seventh time. A 13-time NWC Coach of the Year, he received the NFCA All-Region honor for a seventh time but first since leading the Wildcats to the Division III national championship in 2011.
 
Allen, in her second season as an assistant coach, helped Linfield record 142 stolen bases, the third-highest total in program history.
 
Knopf, who completed her fourth season with the program, managed the Wildcats pitching staff that posted an NWC-best 2.13 ERA. Under Knopf's guidance, Linfield pitcher Tayah Kelley recorded a school-record 33 wins in the circle on her way to first team NFCA All-America honors. Collectively, the pitching staff recorded 14 shutouts and came within five strikeouts of breaking the team record of 322.

Ten NCAA Division III programs were selected by their peers as the 2023 ATEC/NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, the Association announced on Wednesday.

The Linfield coaching staff is now eligible for the ATEC/NFCA Division III National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on June 19. Regional and National Coaching Staffs of the Year are voted on by member head coaches.