LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Garland Shirley, head coach at Clarke University (NAIA), is the inaugural recipient of the NFCA’s Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with Sue Enquist. 

🎉 Congratulations to @clarke_softball's @gmoe400, the inaugural recipient of the NFCA @natashawatley29 Scholarship for Social Change, presented in partnership with @SueEnquist.
Check out the video to 👀 his reaction to the news.
Read more: https://t.co/6tHywEjiqU pic.twitter.com/IB8B3g4XTY

— NFCA (@NFCAorg) October 21, 2020

The scholarship is presented to an individual who embodies courage and commitment to break down barriers, create change within the sport, and has a need for financial assistance to attend the NFCA National Convention. 

In 2020, Shirley will receive a Virtual Convention registration, presented by Traveling Teams, and a complimentary one-year NFCA membership. Additionally, he will receive a complimentary 2021 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement up to $700, and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Las Vegas.

"Congratulations to coach Shirley," said Watley. "He exemplifies exactly what this scholarship is all about. Garland has continued to not only be an example of excellence but continues to generate opportunities and impact others around him."

Shirley has spent his entire 22-year coaching career in the state of Iowa, starting in the youth and prep ranks, before entering the collegiate landscape, where he currently holds his position at Clarke. He dove into the coaching ranks with the South Des Moines Girls Softball Association (1998-2008), serving in many capacities, including several years as the league president. During this stretch, he coached travel teams (10U, 12U, 14U) and ran a successful club program, MSA Softball, which played a role in dozens of players going on to play at the collegiate level.

https://nfcaevents.org/