4 Points of the Diamond™ x Triple Crown Fastpitch Competitive Player Sponsorship
The 4 Points Of The Diamond™ and Triple Crown Fastpitch Sponsorship and Scholarship program was established to offer funding to help lower the barrier of the cost associated with playing softball and being a college student. The Natasha Watley Foundation is committed to diversifying the game of softball at every level through character, community, coaches, and competition while removing the barriers of gender, race, and resources to create more opportunities for girls and women to be leaders on and off the field.
DID YOU KNOW…..
In 2022, the number of Black players across all divisions in NCAA softball was 6%, 21% identified as other, and 73% were white. When you look at Head Coaches only 3% are Black Females, and 2% are Black males compared to 58% White females and 29% White males. It can be argued that at the grassroots level, the game isn’t being introduced to communities of color and the cost associated with softball at all levels creates a barrier to allowing athletes to continue on to play through High School and into college.
OUR GOAL
The program seeks to increase the participation and retention of Black, African-American, Hispanic, and/or Native American girls, inclusive of American Indian and Alaska Native communities that go on to play in college.
4 Points of the Diamond™ x Triple Crown Fastpitch Competitive Player Sponsorship is an award given to a girl that has played over 3 years of softball at the grassroots/ recreation level and is ready to embark or transition into the travel ball level.
This recipient can apply for a Financial sponsorship or Equipment/Training donation request for training enhancement. This player exemplifies a positive attitude, an appetite to learn & high potential in her future to continue playing at a high level. Sponsorship will range from $300 – $1,000 and the number of sponsorships provided for each category is contingent on availability of funds.
In order to be awarded, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as described below for the Futures Sponsorship – Anyone in their first three years of playing softball.
- Softball Female Athlete Ages 8-18 (HS softball players that have not made a verbal commitment to a college)
- Be enrolled in school (K-12th Grade)
- Proof of Report Card/Transcript (GPA taken under consideration)
4 Points of the Diamond™ x TCS Coach Mentor Scholarship is an award given to a female travel ball coach in her first five years of coaching who shows commitment to growing the game of fastpitch in her communities and has a need for financial assistance to develop as a coach. If awarded, the recipient will receive a scholarship to attend the NFCA Convention
Sponsorship will range from $300 – $1,000 and the number of sponsorships provided for each category is contingent on availability of funds.
In order to be awarded, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as described below for the 4 Points of the Diamond™ Coach Mentor Scholarship
- Female Athlete 18+
- Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and community engagement
- 2 Letters of Support/Recommendation
- Must be in their first 5 years of coaching
Who can apply?
All girls are eligible to apply and priority will be given to girls from underserved communities
Will I be receiving a check if awarded?
NWF will pay the expense directly to the awardee’s desired needs.
How many Sponsorship/Scholarships are awarded?
The number of sponsorships/scholarships provided for each category is contingent on the availability of funds.
How much is each athlete awarded?
Sponsorship will range from $300 – $1,000
I can't upload my documents
If you experience trouble uploading documents, please send all necessary documents to info@natashawatleyfoundation.org
4 Points of the Diamond™ Sponsorship & Scholarship Fund
The 4 Points Of The Diamond™ Fund was created to fully support our 4 Points Of The Diamond™ sponsorships and scholarships. By donating to this fund, 100% of your donation will be earmarked to support an athlete receiving monetary support for equipment, training, and team dues. Your donation will also support a Female Coach that has given back and needs support to cover the cost of their own books, tuition, and room & board to compete in college. You can support the 4 points of the diamond fund TODAY by donating $125/month you will support 5 athletes a year to receive or 2 coaches.