Atkinson inducted into NJCAA Softball Coaches’ Hall of Fame
LOUISVILLE, KY - The NFCA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky marked a monumental moment in the illustrious career of Indian River State College Head Softball Coach, Dale Atkinson's career. On December 7, in front of his professional colleagues, assistant coaches and family members, Atkinson was inducted into the NJCAA Softball Coaches' Hall of Fame.
The honor comes as he heads into his 25th season with the Pioneers. Over that span with the Indian River program, Atkinson has coached his way to an NJCAA National Title in 2002, the teams have won three NJCAA Region VIII State Titles in 2002, 2004 and 2005, they have garnered nineteen Southern Conference Championships and twenty-three consecutive post-season berths. Additionally, more than 200 players have been named All-Southern Conference, 82 have been named Region VIII All-State and 27 have been honored with NJCAA All-American status.
Atkinson achieved his 1000th win as a Head Coach on February 28 of 2020. He was inducted into the Indian River State College Pioneer Sports Hall of Fame in April of 2019, the FCSAA Softball Coaches' Hall of Fame in 2014 and the St. Lucie County Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. Combined with those honors, he was named the 2006 NJCAA Southern Region Coach of the Year, 2002 NFCA Coach of the Year, the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 NJCAA Region VIII Coach of the Year and is an 18-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year.
Indian River Athletics congratulates a "TRUE PIONEER" on his achievements and this well deserved honor as a member of the 2023 NJCAA Softball Hall of Fame Class.
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