Hillsboro Native Brad Neffendorf Named National Coach of the Year After Historic Season
Brad Neffendorf, a proud son of Hillsboro, Oregon, and son of former Hillsboro High School (73) and Portland State quarterback Mark Neffendorf, has been named the 2024 Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year — one of the highest honors in college baseball. As head coach of LSU Shreveport, Neffendorf led his team to a record-breaking 59-win season, including five wins at the NAIA World Series and the NAIA Championship — the most legendary baseball season to ever be played!
Coach Neffendorf has been at LSU Shreveport for six seasons and has enjoyed numerous successes. The big news made National media outlets, but back here in Oregon, the news has not caught up yet. The Herald wanted to pay tribute to a hometown Hillsboro boy. The Neffendorf family is well known around Hillsboro; Grandpa Harvey Neffendorf was a Hillsboro teacher and coach. Mark led the Spartans to the 1973 OSAA State Football Championship under legendary Coach Mouse Davis, and the list goes on.
“I am just so proud of both of my sons,” offered Mark. “This award and this perfect finish are very humbling…you only dream of things like this happening.”
Son Brett has been the Head Baseball Coach at Indiana University South Athletics, where his teams have competed in the College World Series. He is now moving on to a new coaching job at Western Kentucky.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q7yoKbFfF/
“Never is an award given without it being earned by everyone involved. Humbled and honored to receive this on behalf of EVERYONE who made this incredible year happen! Thank you to everyone!”
Coach Brad Neffendorf
Under his leadership, LSU Shreveport shattered school records in wins, runs scored, and strikeouts, while earning top national rankings in several categories. More than just numbers, it was a season that put the program on the national map. In terms of undefeated seasons, none at any collegiate level had ever completed a flawless campaign before this one. The Pilots’ 59–0 finish marks the first ever perfect season in college baseball history, at any level.
“Two things that stand out about Brad are his constant drive to get better and to be the best, and his ability as a motivator. He is a great baseball coach, but those things to me stand out about him,” his father offered. “There is no way to process this; it is so surreal.”
Named after legendary LSU coach Skip Bertman, the Coach of the Year award is a national recognition of excellence, leadership, and impact — a fitting tribute to a Hillsboro-raised coach making national waves.
Here’s a more detailed look at their accomplishments:
- Perfect Season: The Pilots went 59-0, a record-breaking achievement in college baseball.
- NAIA National Championship: They won the NAIA World Series, defeating Southeastern University in the final game.
- Conference Champions: They also won the Red River Athletic Conference regular season title.
- Historic Win Streak: The team’s 59-game winning streak is the longest in college baseball history at any level, according to Wikipedia.
- Individual Honors: Several players received All-American recognition, and the team was well-represented on the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team, including MVP Isaac Rohde, as reported on lsusathletics.com.
- National Recognition: The team was invited to the White House to celebrate their historic season.
How does one process this? This is not a 14-0 football season. This is 59-0. It has NEVER been done. College baseball is a wild sport, and anything can happen on any night. So, back here in Hillsboro, where baseball has a very proud History that many newcomers do not comprehend, this is big time. And it speaks to the legacy of some of our great Coaches and Athletes over time.
More from the Coach himself next week, when we conduct a one-on-one interview. Way to go to all involved!
