LOUISVILLE, Ky. | The University of North Georgia softball coaching staff has been named the NCAA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time a UNG staff has ever garnered national coach of the year honors.
 
"It is a true honor to be recognized by our peers," UNG head coach Mike Davenport said. "This recognition is a tribute to all the hard work our entire staff and players put in this season. Having two former North Georgia players on our staff in Sarah Phillips and Karlie Gillam makes this even more special. We wouldn't be where we are today without them, both their help in building the program as players and now having a tremendous impact as coaches. It's great to be able to keep it in the North Georgia family."
 
Davenport – in his 15th season as head coach – along with assistant coach Sarah Phillips and graduate assistant coach Karlie Gillam, guided the Nighthawks to a 54-8 record and the school's first-ever national championship this season. Davenport was tabbed the Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year for the fifth time in April. The staff was also named the NFCA Southeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year for Division II.
 
The Nighthawks capped off their amazing run in Oklahoma City with a 5-0 victory over Dixie State (Utah) in the national championship game. UNG won four straight elimination games in less than 48 hours to earn the right to play for the national title after being no-hit in the opening round game against Indianapolis.