LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Former Babson College softball assistant coach Jenna Putala was announced as the recipient of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's (NFCA) Donna Newbury "Perseverance" Award on Tuesday. 
 
The award recognizes an NFCA member coach who has demonstrated extraordinary strength of will and character in the fight to overcome a physical, mental, or social adversity that presented an additional challenge to the already demanding job of a coach. 
 
Putala, who came to Babson as an assistant coach in December 2021, was diagnosed with PEComa, an extremely rare form of sarcoma, in May 2024. The diagnosis came after experiencing back pain for several months. 
 
Following a number of ups and downs over the last 18 months, Putala made the decision to step away from coaching to focus on her battle with cancer in August following four seasons at Babson. She helped the Beavers capture a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season title before advancing to the NCAA Tournament Geneseo (N.Y.) Regional final in her first season with the program in 2022. 
 
The 2022 squad set a school record for consecutive victories (19) and matched the program record with 38 wins. Putala also helped Babson advance to the NEWMAC Tournament championship round in both 2023 and 2024. 
 
In addition to her work with the softball program, Putala was a important member of Babson's athletics communications department working tirelessly outside of the softball season assisting with game coverage and creating graphics. 
 
Putala will be recognized at the awards brunch on December 13, the final day of the 2025 NFCA National Convention at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.

Read more about Jenna's courageous fight and the history of the Donna Newberry "Perseverance" Award in the NFCA press release.