In a heartfelt ceremony held yesterday afternoon as part of the softball alumni weekend festivities, Florida A&M University (FAMU) officially renamed its University Softball Field to honor the remarkable legacy of Coach Veronica Wiggins. The event marked a poignant tribute to a coaching titan whose impact on FAMU Athletics transcended wins and losses.
Wiggins, whose coaching tenure spanned 29 seasons, now stands as the winningest coach in FAMU Athletics history. With an astonishing 726 wins under her belt, Wiggins not only secured her place in the annals of collegiate softball but also etched her name into the hearts of countless players, fans, and colleagues.
Wiggins' storied career was punctuated by remarkable achievements, including 13 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships and numerous appearances in the NCAA Regional tournaments. Her journey with the Rattlers softball program began in 1992, and from there, she steered the team to unprecedented heights of success.
One of Wiggins' defining moments came early in her tenure when she led the Rattlers to their inaugural winning season in her second year at the helm. With a record of 33-25, she not only secured the program's first winning season but also clinched the MEAC Championship, setting the stage for a dynasty under her guidance.
Throughout her tenure, Wiggins' leadership and coaching prowess earned her acclaim, evident in her five MEAC Coach of the Year titles in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2006, and 2017. These accolades not only reflected her strategic acumen but also underscored her ability to cultivate talent and foster a culture of excellence within the program.
In recognition of her monumental contributions, Wiggins was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in Rattlers Athletics. Her legacy continued to be celebrated when she received the esteemed honor of induction into the MEAC Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, a testament to her enduring impact on collegiate softball.
As FAMU honored the indelible mark left by Coach Wiggins, the softball team engaged in a spirited doubleheader against Jacksonville University, showcasing the resilience and competitive spirit instilled by their esteemed mentor. Though the Rattlers split the series, the spirit of Coach Wiggins imbued every moment on the field, inspiring both players and fans alike to carry forward her legacy with pride and determination.