Rock Rapids, IA (August 19, 2014) – Ignite Christian Academy, an online distance learning program for grades K-12, congratulates Assistant Principal Tim De Jong on his induction into the North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) Hall of Fame last week in the Quad Cities.
De Jong played in eight NAFA World Series between 2002 and 2012. During his time with the Sioux Falls Sox, his team won the NAFA World Series AA Championship in 2007, and placed second and third in the same division in 2009 and 2010.
In addition to the team accomplishments, De Jong was named Most Valuable Player in 2007. He's also been selected four times to the First Team, once to the Second Team, and been named an All-World performer.
"It is a tremendous honor to be selected for the NAFA Hall of Fame," De Jong said. "I have been blessed to play on some great teams with great teammates. Fastpitch softball is just a great sport. Over the years I have met some great ball players and people from all over the world."
De Jong set records on his high school and college baseball teams. Following college, De Jong channeled his passion into coaching while continuing to play. He led the Western Christian High School girls' softball team to the Iowa regional finals twice in his three years as head coach. He also served as an assistant coach at the University of Sioux Falls during the 2011-2012 season.
De Jong joined the Ignite Christian Academy staff in 2013. He served as an academic advisor and lead education coordinator before taking on the role of assistant principal, where he uses his athletic and coaching background to help students develop academically and as individuals.
"I enjoy watching students grow and mature as people," De Jong said. "I love seeing their sense of accomplishment when completing a challenge."