Photo by: Jeff Reinking | Louisville Athletics
Aprile Named Leadership Playbook 2022-23 Collegiate Coach of the Year Coach of the Year
June 26, 2023 | Softball
AKRON, Ohio -Â Holly Aprile, the Head Softball Coach at the University of Louisville, has been announced as The Leadership Playbook 2022-2023 Collegiate Coach of the Year as announced on June 25. The award seeks to honor coaches who maximize success, value growth, and make a positive impact on those they are entrusted to lead.
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TheLeadershipPlaybook.com helps athletic departments and sports teams build stronger cultures by developing better teammates and more positive leaders. As part of the online curriculum, the program has hundreds of two-minute video lessons to increase a person's leadership abilities and develop life skills.
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The program was developed by Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and high school athletic director. Bechler is now a professional speaker, team performance consultant, and host of the "Success is a Choice" podcast. He is also the author of five books, including The Bus Trip and The Captain.
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"We're thrilled to recognize Coach Holly as an example of what a coach should be," said Bechler. "Not only did she lead her team to the NCAA Tournament this season, but she had an impact on her student-athletes. She's well-respected in the softball community for her professionalism, character, and leadership."
Bechler continued, "The late great Billy Graham used to say that a coach can impact more young people in one year than most people do in a lifetime, and I believe that to be true. No coach is perfect, and the job can be very demanding, but the best coaches try to make situations and other people better. Most coaches know the X's and O's, the tactics, and strategies but the best coaches know their athletes. The best coaches go beyond the X's and O's and know how to inspire their athletes to do their best and maximize their potential."
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Deserving coaches from across the United States were nominated by their peers, administrators, teachers, student-athletes, and in some cases, even competitors from other schools.
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Aprile, who recently completed her fifth season as Louisville's head coach, guided the 2023 Cardinals to a 36-20 overall record - the most wins since 2014. UofL's 16 ACC wins were also tied for the most in since joining the league in 2015. The 2023 campaign also saw Taylor Roby earn National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America distinction. Additionally, Louisville placed three on the NFCA All-Southeast Region teams and produced a school-record six All-ACC honorees.
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During her time at the helm, which includes the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, the Cardinals have amassed 129 wins and earned a pair of NCAA regional appearances with the 2023 Knoxville Regional and the 2019 NCAA Regional finals
For the latest on Louisville Softball, visit GoCards.com, follow the team's Twitter account at @LouisvilleSB, Facebook and Instagram @LouisvilleSB.
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TheLeadershipPlaybook.com helps athletic departments and sports teams build stronger cultures by developing better teammates and more positive leaders. As part of the online curriculum, the program has hundreds of two-minute video lessons to increase a person's leadership abilities and develop life skills.
Â
The program was developed by Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and high school athletic director. Bechler is now a professional speaker, team performance consultant, and host of the "Success is a Choice" podcast. He is also the author of five books, including The Bus Trip and The Captain.
Â
"We're thrilled to recognize Coach Holly as an example of what a coach should be," said Bechler. "Not only did she lead her team to the NCAA Tournament this season, but she had an impact on her student-athletes. She's well-respected in the softball community for her professionalism, character, and leadership."
Bechler continued, "The late great Billy Graham used to say that a coach can impact more young people in one year than most people do in a lifetime, and I believe that to be true. No coach is perfect, and the job can be very demanding, but the best coaches try to make situations and other people better. Most coaches know the X's and O's, the tactics, and strategies but the best coaches know their athletes. The best coaches go beyond the X's and O's and know how to inspire their athletes to do their best and maximize their potential."
Â
Deserving coaches from across the United States were nominated by their peers, administrators, teachers, student-athletes, and in some cases, even competitors from other schools.
Â
Aprile, who recently completed her fifth season as Louisville's head coach, guided the 2023 Cardinals to a 36-20 overall record - the most wins since 2014. UofL's 16 ACC wins were also tied for the most in since joining the league in 2015. The 2023 campaign also saw Taylor Roby earn National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America distinction. Additionally, Louisville placed three on the NFCA All-Southeast Region teams and produced a school-record six All-ACC honorees.
Â
During her time at the helm, which includes the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, the Cardinals have amassed 129 wins and earned a pair of NCAA regional appearances with the 2023 Knoxville Regional and the 2019 NCAA Regional finals
For the latest on Louisville Softball, visit GoCards.com, follow the team's Twitter account at @LouisvilleSB, Facebook and Instagram @LouisvilleSB.
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Players Mentioned
RHP
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