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 talented young women in the area. Our goal is 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 Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan 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 marks 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!

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Irish Leadership

LADY IRISH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cory Bryan,  CEO/Chairman of the Board
Chuck Brososky,  President

Chad Beaty, Chief Operations Officer

Tony Seely, Director of Development

Tami Summers,  Vice President of Development
Deb Beaty,  Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Ruiz,  Director of Ways and Means

*pending*, Assistant Director of Ways and Means

* Walter "Skeeter" Severhof, honorary board member

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COMMITTEE DIRECTORS

Kelly Eggers,  Uniforms
Cory Bryan,  Facilities
Rita Gruenwald,  Spirit Wear

​Tony Seely, Tournament Coordinator

Cory Bryan, Tournament Director

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The Lady Irish is a 501c3 Charity

This means not only are you a part of a strong Fastpitch Softball Organization that was established in 1989, but you are also part of an organization that can offer...


  • Qualified/Dedicated coaches who undergo a Coach Development Program  
  • College Intern Mentoring Program
  • College Night attended by college coaches  
  • Uniforms for players and equipment for teams
  • Payment programs and fundraisers
  • A Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the 501c3
  • The ability to promote players to prospective colleges  
  • Annual Tournaments hosted by the NWO Lady Irish

Come and be a part of our program and add to our legacy.  

You can be a part of our future and leave your mark on our history.

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!

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Coaches

Our Coaching Staff

18U - Head Coach Tony Seely

Lady Irish '02 - Head Coach Cory Bryan

16U Gold - Head Coach Tony Hill
16U Blue - Head Coach Jeremy Cubberly

Lady Irish '03 - Head Coach Kurt Amstutz

Lady Irish '04 - Head Coach John King

14U Green - Head Coach Mike Nagel

14U Blue - Head Coach George Smith

Lady Irish '05 - Co-Head Coaches Rita Gruenwald  & Ron Cook

14U Gold - Head Coach Chad Gregory

14U Black - Co-Head Coaches  Brent Dhondt & Jeff Eggers

Lady Irish '06 - Head Coach Kelsi Omey

Lady Irish '07 - Head Coach Michelle Ruiz

​Lady Irish 10U - Co-Head Coaches Emily Sibberson & Sophie Summers

​Lady Irish 8U - Head Coach *pending

Coach Development Program

Our coaches are required to attend four training sessions per year.  Each training session is dedicated to skill development and game/rule knowledge.    

The four key ares of skill development are:

1.  Hitting

2.  Infield

3.  Outfield

4.  Pitchers / Catchers


Each training session is followed by a game/rules knowledge evaluation.  Yes, our coaches will have homework to prepare for each training session. Our instruction is designed to teach and reinforce the basics of each fundamental skill, as well as move into advanced level training as appropriate for each age group.  A Irish coach must be considered "certified" by the coach development team prior to January 31st, 2017.   Coaches must be re-certified each calendar year.  

As part of our coach development, coaches from the advanced level teams will partner with younger coaches to help mentor them throughout the winter training sessions.  

Our goal is the provide the best experience for each athlete and developing the coaching staff is vital to achieving that goal.

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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 5 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.  He is Right View Pro trained and dedicated to the development of the athletes with whom he works.

Contact Cory at