LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 4, 2020) – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) unveiled its 2020 Diversity Convention Scholarship recipient where Howard University softball head coach Tori Tyson was recognized for her commitment to working with minorities while growing the game of fastpitch in her community. The announcement came Wednesday afternoon.
 
In 2020, Tyson will receive a Virtual Convention registration, presented by Traveling Teams. Additionally, she will receive a free 2021 NFCA Convention registration, travel reimbursement, and up to four nights paid at the Convention host hotel in Las Vegas.
 
"I am beyond honored to receive this grant and to have been nominated," Tyson expressed. "I promise to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity to represent all minority coaches, athletes, my alma mater (University of Nebraska), and of course the school who has allowed and encouraged me to use my voice Howard University."
 
Hired prior to the 2019 season, Tyson revitalized the program and led Howard to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time since 2015 and first tournament victory since 2011. Additionally, she steered Howard to 19 victories, the most since 2012.
 
Heavily involved in the D.C. community, Tyson runs camps through the Washington Nationals Youth Academy and satellite camps. At a cost of no more than $20, her camps allow low-economic income families the opportunity to experience college camps at an affordable price. Knowing many minority athletes will be experiencing a college coach or a skills camp for the first time, Tyson keeps her numbers low so they can get the individual feedback needed.
 
"I believe representation matters," said Tyson. "Softball is growing, but we want to make sure it is growing everywhere. The goal for our sport should be for little girls to turn on the television and see themselves. Softball has changed so many lives and it can also save many more. Softball cannot grow and minority participation will not happen unless we are active facilitators in that growth."
 
The program works directly with the inner-city youth and Tyson has acted as a spokesperson and ally for minority youth athletes. Beyond offering free and discounted clinics, Tyson lends her support to the community with a direct line to her. She in turn assists the young athletes when it comes to "who to play for" and "how to navigate their softball careers," while also having a hand in placing minority athletes at specific universities.
 
"I have open practices and events so they can see, learn and believe," Tyson said.
 
Tyson believes cost and exposure are the real reasons why there is a lower participation of minorities in softball as there is little to no guidance, and often no resources. She would like to see more platforms where used equipment is recycled through inner cities. Tyson feels access to the best clinics and camps should be affordable and or extremely discounted.
 
"Giving a little girl her first glove and or bat can change her life forever," Tyson concluded. "Every little girl should watch softball and see herself in all conferences and in all positions."
 
Coach Tyson and the Bison are set to take the field Spring 2021.
 
NFCA contributed to this story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the NFCA website at www.NFCA.org.