IRVING, Texas – Louisiana Tech’s softball coach and NFCA member Mark Montgomery has been selected as the Conference USA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Coaches Choice Award winner for 2013-14. He will be presented with the award during halftime of the Lady Techster’s women’s basketball game against North Texas on January 22.
The SAAC Coaches Choice Award recognizes a coach that is committed to fostering student-athlete development and welfare through a positive athletic and academic atmosphere. Each C-USA institution selects a nominee and then voting is done by the conference SAAC representatives during its annual in-person meeting.
“This is a tremendous honor for Coach Montgomery,” said Louisiana Tech Athletics Director Tommy McClelland. “This award represents what coaching on the collegiate level is all about – molding student-athletes into champions on and off the field. We are happy that the Conference USA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has recognized Mark’s efforts.”
Montgomery is committed to developing a supportive and family atmosphere for his softball program. He set this example attending home events for every sports program at LA Tech with his wife and three daughters. The Lexington, Kentucky native stresses the importance of giving back to the community as his team participates in various community service events throughout the year and encourages his student-athletes to get involved with other campus organizations and activities.
Academically, Montgomery has a history of success dating back to his first coaching gig with Georgetown College that has seen each of his squads maintain at least a 3.0 GPA away from the diamond for 12 years. The veteran coach promotes a positive learning environment and supports his student-athlete’s ambitions regardless of the major or career goal, and his staff demonstrates a commitment to academics by encouraging struggling student athletes.
On the field, Montgomery’s message has always been the same, focus on the process and the results will eventually take care of themselves. Recruiting to caliber student-athletes that will fit the culture and philosophy of the Lady Techster program remains paramount as Montgomery and his staff added eight newcomers for the upcoming 2015 season, including three who earned pitcher of the year honors as seniors at their respective high schools.
— Courtesy of Tim McNamara (Conference USA)