The Irish
History
The Northwest Ohio Lady Irish Fast Pitch Softball Organization was founded in 1989 by Walter (Skeeter) and Shirley Severhof. The purpose of the organization was to create competitive travel fast pitch 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 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, 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 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!
In 2020, the Lady Irish added the Fighting Irish Baseball program, which has quickly grown to be well respected across the area. We also moved to the TriplePlay training center which is known as the "Home of the Lady Irish and Fighting Irish".
We are a 501c3 non-profit
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
- 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.
Irish Leadership
Board of Directors
Cory Bryan; CEO/Chairman of the Board
Chuck Brososky; President
Tony Hill; Vice President, Softball Director
Tami Summers; Director of Softball Camps and Clinics
Walter "Skeeter" Severhof; Honor board member (non voting)
Safe Sport Rep
Candice Billau
The Director
Cory Bryan
Coach Bryan is the director and the CEO/Chairman of the Board of the NWO Lady Irish.
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.
- Owens Community College Assistant Coach
- Lady Irish 18U Head Coach
- America's Team (Travel Tour Softball - Italy, Dominican Republic, Australia)
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 active duty service in the Army, Cory retired as a Sergeant Major and settled in northwest Ohio.
