coaches bio's

Tom, is a lifelong resident of Strongsville and a graduate of Strongsville High School.  Tom played 4 years for the high school and went on to play 4 years at the University of Akron as a pitcher. Tom began coaching boys baseball in the Purtias league over 20 years ago. Tom switched over to fastpitch when he started coaching in the Strongsville Recreation leagues and then onto the Emerald Necklace League over 10 years ago in support of his daughter. Tom transitioned to the community representative and association director overseeing the operations. Tom, still leads the 16U tournament team coaching practices, games and clinics. Tom strives for excellence in developing young athletes to be good on field performers but stresses the  importance of being a good person and member of the community off the field.  

Leslie has an extensive coaching history that dates back to 1996 where she coached varsity fastpitch for Hudson high School where she earned her coaching certification. Leslie, moved out of Ohio where she continued to coach young athletes and even coached football in Illinois. she took some time off to start her family and eventually moved back to Ohio. 

Upon moving back back to Ohio  Leslie picked up her coaching career coaching several teams in the travel softball arena around the area posting several seasons of undefeated records!

 Building a strong team starts with a strong foundation of partnership. As the head coach of Strongsville High School it is my goal to be involved with a development program that instills the same values we expect at the high school level. With our partnership between the high school and Strongsville Fastpitch we ensure that the coaching fundamentals are shared and taught consistently so our younger athletes can transition to high school softball seamlessly.  
A little about my background: 

• Wellington High School Alumni
• Former Cleveland State Player
• Black River High School Asst Coach - 2 yrs
• Pinnacle Sports Instructor - 3 yrs
• Oberlin College Pitching Coach - 3 yrs
• Cleveland RBI Asst Coach - 2 yrs

Jennie is a resident of Strongsville and an experienced softball player. Jennie started her career at North Olmsted High School where she was a varsity player all three years from   1992 - 1994. While in High school she was an all Southwestern Conference player all three years, where she was player of the year in 1993 and 1994 in addition to being player of the county in the same time span. In 1993 - 1994 she was 1st team all Ohio and a Midwestern All American in 1994. Jennie continued her playing career in college where she played both basketball and softball fro Ferris State University from 1994 - 1996. She ultimately moved to finish her career at Southern Utah University from 1998 - 1999.  After college Jennie was the assistant softball coach at North Olmsted High School in 2003.

 Zoe is an Amherst Steele graduate where she pitched all four years on varsity. She began giving lessons as a sophomore and has been doing them for 8 years. She was trained by Dave Leffew. Her main focuses are mechanics, spin and speed. Zoe graduated Kent State University in 2019 where she studied nursing. She is currently a nurse at University Hospital.