The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its ATEC/NFCA High School Spring Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year on Friday afternoon. Austintown Fitch was one of eight schools to receive the honor.

Head Coach Steve Ward, with the help of assistant coaches Becki Spalding, Nicole Fiddler, Bob Jones, Jerry Bruff, and Rich Raymer, led the Lady Falcons to an undefeated season which culminated with the team winning its first-ever OHSAA Division 1 State Championship in program history.

Fitch ended the season ranked #1 in Ohio and #9 nationally in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 poll and earned a national ranking of #14 by MaxPreps.

During their state title run, the Lady Falcons went 22-0 on the season and outscored their opponents 215-16 on the way to hoisting the trophy.

With the selection, the coaches are now eligible for the 2023 National Staff of the Year Award, which will be announced on August 22, 2023.