Oct 13, 2010 9:32:51 AM

Donna Vavrinec has been named the NCAA's softball national coordinator of umpires and will serve as the primary administrator of the Softball Umpire Improvement Program.

"Donna's wealth of experience and knowledge will ensure the Softball Umpire Improvement Program continues its strong tradition of training and educating umpires for the collegiate game," said Scott Farmer, chair of the NCAA Division I Softball Committee and senior associate athletics director at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Vavrinec has umpired at every level of the NCAA softball postseason since 1985, including 14 national championships in all three NCAA divisions. In addition, she is an experienced softball clinician, assignor, and evaluator who has served as the Umpire in Chief for several Division II and Division III softball national championships and was a member of the SUIP National Observation Team.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute back to the great sport of softball in this role and to collaborate with the umpires, coordinators and coaches in fostering a culture of excellence and respect," Vavrinec said. "I also look forward to learning and working with the committees and the NCAA staff to continue to move the game forward and enhance the student-athlete experience."

Vavrinec's commitment to education is reflected in her 35 years as a physical science educator with the Norwalk (Connecticut) Board of Education. The recent retiree from Norwalk High School is a graduate from Plymouth State College with a degree in social science and conducted post-graduate work at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New England.