Alabama Coaches Named 2026 ATEC/NFCA South Region Coaching Staff of the Year
6/5/2026 1:08:00 PM | Softball
It is the 11th time in program history the Crimson Tide coaching staff has been honored
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama softball's coaching staff has been honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as the 2026 ATEC/NFCA South Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Under the guidance of head coach Patrick Murphy and assistant coaches Adam Arbour, Kayla Braud and Lance McMahon, Alabama earned the No. 1 overall seed in this year's NCAA Tournament before making its 16th appearance at the Women's College World Series, ultimately advancing to the semifinal round for the eighth time in program history. The Crimson Tide finished with a 56-9 record, its most wins since 2019 and its highest winning percentage since 2012. Alabama hit 102 home runs in 2026, finishing with triple-digit homers for just the second time, with Brooke Wells and Alexis Pupillo as the team's first pair of 20-home run hitters in the same season. On the other side of the ball, the pitching staff posted top four marks in shutouts (26 – 2nd), batting average against (.174 – 3rd) and fewest runs allowed (104 – 4th).
This year marks the 11th time Alabama has been recognized as the South Region Coaching Staff of the Year, previously doing so in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016.
