Matthias and company named Regional Coaching Staff of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After leading Simpson softball back to the biggest stage for the first time since 1999, head coach Brent Matthias and his staff were named the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) on Thursday.

Matthias is joined by associate head coach Kelsey Aikey, assistant coaches Kyle Ownes, Ron Reusche, Carlye Satterwhite, Addy Pender, along with student assistant Elle Mortensen.

Matthias and his team guided the Storm back to the Women's College World Series for the first time since Simpson's 1999 National Championship squad. The Storm entered the WCWS with 39 wins, the most since the 2000 season, and for the first time in program history, won the A-R-C Tournament with a 6-1 win over Loras in the championship game.

Simpson moved up to host the Indianola Regional, knocking off Greenville in the opener and Saint Benedict in the semifinals before edging out the Bennies once again in the regional final. Simpson proceeded to travel up to Winona for the Super Regionals where the Storm swept Saint Mary's 8-3, and 8-5 to clinch their spot in the Women's College World Series.

Last season, Matthias and his staff were named the American Rivers Conference Coaching Staff of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Simpson has earned a 73-15 record (.830 winning percentage), including eight NCAA tournament victories.