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Turner College Grad Merri Sherman Receives National Service Award

Turner College graduate Merri Sherman, the Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Georgia Sports and Events Council, has been chosen as just the fifth recipient of the prestigious Melinda Fischer Distinguished Service Award in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s 40-year history. The award recognizes a person who has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to the NFCA and the sport of fastpitch softball. According to the Association's press release, Sherman has worked closely with many fastpitch organizations over her 20 years serving the Columbus community, bringing national tournaments in a wide variety of sports to Georgia. "Merri Sherman has given selflessly of her time and talents to the softball community and to the NFCA. Under her visionary leadership, she has provided a top notch 'home away from home' for our NFCA Leadoff Classic tournaments in Columbus, Ga,” NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman said. “South Commons Complex has been the host for our prestigious collegiate tournaments for multiple divisions over many years. Student-athletes, coaches, umpires, and fans all enjoy a first-class experience at these events, thanks to Merri's unwavering commitment to excellence. Like the award's namesake, Melinda Fischer, Merri has been a difference-maker for the NFCA. She continues to elevate the sport, the Association, and our Leadoff tournaments. Merri is very deserving of our highest service award.” In 2021, Sherman, who earned a BBA in marketing from the Turner College in 2004, received the National Contributor Award for Outstanding Leadership hosting the GHSA softball state championships, and she has been one of the driving forces behind the numerous renovations at the South Commons Complex over the years — ranging from a new batting facility and bullpens to the addition of energy-efficient LED field lighting — to give fastpitch athletes an award-winning complex. “I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the NFCA for the Melinda Fischer Service Award,” Sherman said. “Having witnessed Melinda’s dedication to softball as well as seeing the distinguished list of previous recipients, this award truly means so much to me. We have an incredible team in Columbus, and we’re blessed with a very supportive Board and City. Thank you to the NFCA for being such an integral part of helping us make our dreams a reality!” Sherman will receive her award and be recognized on Dec. 9 during the Awards Brunch of the 2023 NFCA National Convention at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky. Previous winners of the Melinda Fischer Distinguished Service Award are ESPN producer Meg Aronowitz (2018), former National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Executive Director Mary Ellen Leicht (2016), former NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor (and current NCAA equipment consultant) Dee Abrahamson, and longtime former Illinois State head coach and NFCA Convention coordinator Fischer (2002). The award was named for inaugural winner Fischer in 2018. Both Fischer (2010) and Abrahamson (2019) are NFCA Hall of Famers.

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