Virginia Beach, Virginia –– University of Northwestern head softball coach Alicia du'Monceaux has been selected as the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Game Plan 4 LIFE Female Staff Character Award winner. The accolade, given to student-athletes and athletics staff that embody the Christian character qualities of love, integrity, faith, and excellence, was presented Thursday evening at the annual NCCAA Convention in Virginia Beach.

Click here to view the complete NCCAA release.

du'Monceaux, who just finished her 13th season at the helm of the softball program, displays the highest level of character in her day-to-day duties as a head coach and administrator. Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland), one of the three seniors on this year's team, described her as not "just a coach for us players, she also fills the role of a friend, a mother, a mentor, and a teacher for us."

du'Monceaux challenges her players to grow in their faith. Junior Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) said that "she is consistently instilling in us as players the reminder that softball is simply a platform we're able to use to share the love of Christ with others. One thing that Coach does that I think is special is personal testimonies where each player on the team is able to share their testimony with the rest of the team, including the coaching staff. Hearing Coach's willingness to share her own story is truly a testament to her character."

Earlier this season, she broke the record for most wins by a softball coach in Northwestern history, as she has 242 wins in her career. Her consistency and competitiveness have pushed the team to keep working on getting better. Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area), the first NCCAA First Team All-American in program history, said that "whether times are good or bad, you always know what you will get from Coach. She doesn't let the world sway her. Her foundation is in Christ, and that shines bright everywhere she goes."

In addition to her duties as the head coach of the softball team, she also serves as the Athletic Facilities Rental Manager.

What They Are Saying

"She has that special connection with her players that coaches want, but few are able to attain. While her outward appearance indicates a soft veneer, a veneer that invites one to be near her and with her, she possesses an inner strength that is willing to be firm, hard, and demand excellence. It is a gift, a gift that permits one access while holding players to a high standard." 

- Dr. Alan Cureton, President of Northwestern

"She will never compromise in order to gain an advantage and teaches her team that God expects us to do what is right, not just what is okay. That's the definition of integrity."

- Dr. Matt Hill, Director of Athletics

"Her primary goal as a coach is to see her players grow in their love for Jesus. Everything in her program is orchestrated around this ultimate purpose, including daily team devotions, mission work in Haiti, and local community outreach."

- Beth Wilmeth, Volleyball Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics

"Since coming to Northwestern, I have been able to make my faith my own, and I can attribute much of that growth to Coach's guidance. She is constantly reminding us on the team that her door is always open, and I have been stretched in more ways than one every time I step into a conversation with Coach."

- Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West), UNW Softball 2019-21

"She understands that the love God created and exemplified perfectly involves sacrifice and presence – both of which she gives endlessly to the whole team. She not only accepts us for who we are, but she also encourages us to come just as we are each day. There isn't a moment she isn't ready to encourage and challenge each of us."

- Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland), UNW Softball 2018-21

"In my four years of knowing her and playing for her, I have seen many athletes walk into her office, and she has always shown the utmost respect for each and every individual. No matter the circumstances, Coach makes it a priority to treat everybody the same regardless of their background."