Story by Derek Helling, NAIA Sports Information Intern

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eric Newell of Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) is set to bring the 2015 NAIA Softball National Coach of the Year honors to the school for the second-consecutive year, only his first year at the helm of the Warhawks.

“Being named NAIA Coach of the Year is a very humbling honor and one you strive as a coach to attain,” Newell said. “I have been blessed with not only an incredibly dedicated staff, but also a very talented team, both on and off the field.

“Our student-athletes and fellow members of the coaching staff, as well as our athletics and University administration have been so supportive of our program since my arrival and I cannot thank them enough. This is a tremendous honor for AUM softball.”

Newell compiled a 254-121 record over eight seasons at Williams Baptist (Ark.) before taking over the Warhawks and improved upon his winning percentage in the 2015 campaign. Under Newell, Auburn Montgomery went 46-9 overall and 24-2 in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), earning a second-consecutive conference championship. The Warhawks were also able to defend their national title under Newell, outscoring their opponents 31-4 in the five World Series games.

Auburn Montgomery led all NAIA softball teams in strikeouts issued this past season. The Warhawks’ pitching staff also allowed the second-lowest batting average and had the second-lowest earned run average out of all softball teams.

This Coach of the Year award adds to the trophy count for the Warhawks’ softball program from this past season. Pitcher Cassie Jones received NAIA First-Team All-America honors and World Series MVP honors. Infielder Katie Spain and outfielder Laci Driggers were named to the All-World Series Team along with Jones.

Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson won the award for the 2014 season, after she led the program to its first-ever NAIA softball national championship. After Steiner-Wilcoxson departed, Auburn Montgomery hired Newell on Dec. 16, 2014.