Alex Boggis, UT Martin Sports Information Assistant
MARTIN, Tenn. – Head coach of the University of Tennessee at Martin softball team Donley Canary was recently honored for his 400th career victory at the annual National Fastpitch Coaches Association Convention held in San Antonio, Texas.
Canary eclipsed his 400th win on Saturday, April 20, 2013 against Morehead State. The Skyhawks 5-3 decision not only notched Canary’s milestone but snapped a three-game losing streak, serving as a kick start to a momentum shift towards a berth in the OVC Tournament title game.
He was among 14 honorees to be recognized for their 400th win throughout the NFCA ranks. Assuming the reigns of the Skyhawk program in 2002, Canary has led the program to its first two Ohio Valley Conference championships, a pair of OVC Tournament championships and two NCAA Regional berths.
Canary not only ranks as UT Martin’s all-time winningest coach but sits in fifth place on the OVC’s all-time leaderboard. He has led the Skyhawks to nine winning seasons in 12 years while his teams have maintaining a high level of excellence in academics.
Academically, 132 Skyhawk student-athletes have been named to the OVC’s Commissioner’s Honor Roll during Canary’s tenure as head coach. Most recently, the Skyhawks placed nine players on the NFCA Scholar-Athletes list which maintained a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better.
Canary will lead the Skyhawks for his 13th season when the team opens its 2014 season on Friday, Feb. 7 at Louisiana Tech.
