History of the Lady Irish
The Northwest Ohio Lady Irish Fast Pitch Softball Organization was founded in 1989 by Walter (Skeeter) and Shirley Severhof. The purpose of the organization is to create competitive travel fastpitch softball teams utilizing the best, most talented young women in the area. Our goal is still to expose our players to the most competitive fastpitch softball available, while teaching fundamentals and improving their skills to eventually become prospects for college teams.
THE LADY IRISH PLANT THE SEED & CULTIVATE THE TALENT THROUGH A WELL ORGANIZED PROGRAM WITH QUALITY COACHES. THE PLAYERS WHO HAVE HAD THE LADY IRISH EXPERIENCE REAP THE "BENEFITS"!
The first Lady Irish travel team was a U14 team playing in the local suburban league becoming league champs, traveling to one tournament, placing third. Today the organization is well known and respected across the country. Our success comes from the leadership of the board of directors, certified coaches who come from the college and high school ranks and of course, the contributions from our committed players. The Lady Irish umbrella encompasses players from across Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, forming (U8 through U23) travel teams. The Lady Irish have a history of traveling to top tournaments in many states plus Canada.
The list is impressive of former Lady Irish players (see Former Players) who have advanced on to play college fastpitch softball in a variety of universities in all divisions. Incoming players must work hard to follow in the footsteps of the former Lady Irish players.
The Lady Irish family is very fortunate to have dedicated players, parents, coaches and strong organizational leaders who focus on our MISSION. The result is a life altering, memorable experience for players, coaches and parents.
The 26th year marked the retirement of the Severhofs. After 26 awesome years, on May 15, 2015, the Severhofs handed the reigns to Cory Bryan, the new CEO and Chairman of the board. Get ready for the awesome 25 years to come!
Irish Leadership
LADY IRISH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Cory Bryan, CEO/Chairman of the Board
- Chuck Brososky, President
- Tony Hill, Director of Softball
- David Short, Director of Baseball
- Tami Summers, Director of Softball Camps and Clinics
- Michelle Ruiz, Director of Softball Player Development
- Deb Beaty, Chief Financial Officer
- Lindsey Short, Director of Ways and Means
- Jeremy Cubberly, Director of Field and Facilities
* Walter "Skeeter" Severhof, honorary board member
COMMITTEE DIRECTORS
- * - Social Media Director
- Candice Billau - Safe Sport Rep
DONATIONS
Your support and contribution will allow us to continue to further the aspirations of our young lady's pursuit of playing softball while getting their college degree!
the Director
Cory Bryan
Coach Bryan is the director and the CEO & Chairman of the Board of the Lady Irish.
Cory is currently the Head Coach of the Lady Irish '02, which he has coached for 7 years.
Prior to the Lady Irish, Cory coached for several years and in several places around the country. The list includes:
- Sylvania Fusion (Sylvania, Ohio)
- Oregon Reign (Eugene, Oregon)
- Thurston Phillies (Springfield, Oregon)
- The Crush (El Paso, Texas)
- The Lookouts (Adrian, Michigan)
- Sylvania Northview High School JV (Sylvania, Ohio)
- Varsity Head Coach at Sylvania Northview High School.
He has studied and learned from many talented head coaches around the country, including Eric Leyba (former pitching coach at New Mexico State University); Cesar Sierra and Steve Kyle, just to name a few.
Cory earned his Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma where he served as the Graduate Assistant Coach for the men's basketball team while in grad school.
After 20 years of service in the Army, Cory retired as a Sergeant Major and settled in northwest Ohio.
Contact Cory for hitting, pitching, catching and other defensive lessons.
Contact Cory at
- (419) 540-2136
- cory@nwoladyirish.com