TUCSON, Ariz. ? University of South Alabama assistant softball coach Vinny Dima was named the 2006 NAIA Coach of the Year Friday night at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association convention held at the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort.

“It was definitely one of the biggest moments in my coaching career,” said Dima.  “I give all the credit to the players who played for me last year and also to my assistant coach, Maria Soto. Without them, none of it would have been possible.  I also want to give a special thanks to [South Alabama head coach] Becky Clark for placing me in a position to be successful.”

Last season, Dima led the University of Mobile to a 50-2 record, capturing its first-ever NAIA National Championship title.  Under his direction, the Lady Rams put together two separate 21-game win streaks, including the final 21 games that were capped off with a 4-1 victory in the national title game versus Cal Baptist University.  In two seasons as a head coach, Dima has recorded a combined career record of 95-10 at Mobile and Thomas University. 

The winners of the Coach of the Year awards are selected by members of the NFCA.