Kathy Veroni | Official Headshot
Kathy Veroni | Official Headshot
Former Western Illinois University head softball coach Kathy Veroni has been named the recipient of the 2025 NFCA Humanitarian Award by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The award acknowledges Veroni’s influence on the sport of softball and her contributions to the Macomb community.
Veroni coached the Leathernecks from 1971 to 2005, accumulating 869 wins, 11 conference championships, five AIAW national tournament appearances, and three NCAA tournament berths. She is a member of four halls of fame: NFCA, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, and Illinois ASA.
Her involvement in softball continued beyond her coaching career at Western Illinois. Veroni served in leadership roles within the NFCA, including President and Past President. She has mentored coaches and student-athletes nationwide. In Macomb, she founded and coached the Macomb Magic softball program, led youth clinics, and coached teams that won local championships.
Veroni’s service includes work as a Master Gardener and leadership in Growing Illinois Food Together (GIFT), an initiative that builds garden beds and community spaces for education and food security. The gardens provide over 2,000 pounds of produce annually to local food pantries. She is also a member of the Macomb Park District Commission, participates in the VIBE organization—which has raised over $800,000 for area nonprofits—and supports the Golden Apple Society at McDonough District Hospital.
Western Illinois Athletic Director Paul A. Bubb commented on Veroni’s recognition: "Western Illinois University has always had some extraordinary coaches, and to see them still receiving accolades is not a surprise to me. Kathy Veroni puts her all into everything she does, and this is a well-deserved recognition for her work," said Paul A. Bubb, Director of Athletics."
Coach Veroni expressed gratitude for the award: "I am very honored and humbled to receive this award from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association," said Coach Kathy Veroni.
Veroni will be recognized during the NFCA Awards Brunch at the 2025 NFCA Convention in Las Vegas on December 13.
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