ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western softball head coach Jen Trotter was recognized Thursday by the St. Joseph YWCA as the 2016 Woman in the Workplace during the organization’s 15th Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon.

Trotter was selected from a list of 16 nominees for the award. Her nominator wrote, “(Trotter) is credited with applying careful recruitment of women athletes that are talented both academically and athletically, creating unusual continuity within her program. Jen encourages her athletes to continually give back to the community they live in, including fundraisers and volunteer time with the YWCA CHOICES program for middle school-aged girls. Athletes under her leadership have extremely high graduation rates, grade point averages and community service hours. Jen is compassionate, optimistic and admired by students, coaches and the community.”

Trotter just completed her 15th season as the head softball coach at Missouri Western. The 2016 season brought her a fourth MIAA Coach of the Year honor as she led the team to its second MIAA Regular Season and Tournament Championships and its ninth appearance in the NCAA Central Regional. Trotter has maintained high academic standards for her student-athletes, with 13 softball student-athletes named to the 2016 MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

Now in its 15th year, the Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon honors outstanding women and employers in the St. Joseph community. The YWCA St. Joseph is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Griffon Athletics supports the YWCA and protective shelter in St. Joseph through various volunteer opportunities and the annual MWSU/YWCA Charity Golf Classic.

— MWSU Athletics —