Little Named WAC Coordinator of Softball Officials
DENVER - Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Commissioner Brian Thornton announced today that Cody Little has been hired as Coordinator of Softball Officials.
"Cody is well respected and has extensive experience at the highest levels," said Thornton. "We are happy to have him on board and look forward to his contributions with WAC softball umpires."
Little currently serves as a regional advisor to the NCAA Softball Umpire Group, selecting and assigning umpires for postseason duty at the Division I, II and II levels. His experience also includes work with the Big 12 and American Athletic Conference (AAC) in assisting with the assignment of officials.
“I’m honored to be selected as the Coordinator of Softball Officials for the Western Athletic Conference,” said Little. “We are at an exciting time as NCAA softball is exploding as a marquee sport throughout the country. I am looking forward to working with the conference office, coaches, and umpires to provide student-athletes with the best on field experience. I also want to thank Dave Neidlinger (retiring WAC coordinator of officials) for his guidance and mentoring, because that has prepared me for this position.”
Since 2009, Little has umpired in several conferences including the WAC (where he worked three conference tournaments), the Southeastern (SEC), Big 12, Big 10 and Mountain West. In 2016 and 2017, Little umpired the NCAA Women’s College World Series. He also has experience umpiring at the NCAA Super Regionals (2016-19) and Regionals (2014-17). Little also coordinated video reviews during the 2022 NCAA Regionals and 2022 Women’s College World Series.
He is just the second WAC Coordinator of Softball Officials as he replaces Neidlinger, who recently retired after serving the WAC for 16 years.
The WAC will now be part of the Midwest Umpire Consortium along with the Big 12, Big Ten, American Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, and the Summit League.
What They Are Saying About Cody Little:
Sally Walker, Softball Coordinator, Midwest Umpire Consortium
“I’m very excited for the WAC and Cody that he will now be their umpire coordinator. His passion for college umpiring and leadership skills will serve the coaches and umpires well. I look forward to working with him!”
Steve McCown, NCAA Softball National Coordinator of Umpires
"Being a former WCWS umpire, Cody has the insight to guide umpires on a path to advancement. His recent addition to the staff of the NCAA Softball Umpire Program has added organization and experience that will prove invaluable to the WAC softball schools.”
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