Remembering those we lost from the softball world in 2021…
Bob Heck, former Georgia State head coach
A name synonymous with Georgia State softball, the GSU stadium bears Heck’s name. He won 700 career games and led the entire state of Georgia into fastpitch softball.
Roger Willhite, Houston Baptist assistant coach
Willhite served in the US Army and spent 26 years on staff at HBU. Huskies athletic director Steve Moniaci described Willhite as “one of the most beloved figures in our history”.
Ken LeGrice, Stonehill College head coach
A 17-year coaching veteran who spent a dozen years as head coach, LeGrice also spent 34 years as a police officer and bravely battled cancer.
Rick Erskin, former Central Michigan assistant coach
Erskin spent a decade on staff at Central Michigan, a tenure that began following his retirement from the energy industry in 2007. He was also a Marine Corps veteran from the 1960s.
Bill Kennedy, former Illinois State assistant coach
In addition to 24 years on the Illinois State coaching staff, Kennedy’s primary career was as an educator and a school principal. He also played men’s fastpitch for nearly three decades.
Enrico Obletter, Italian National Team head coach
Obletter was appointed as manager of the Italian national team in January of 2017 and was to lead the team in the Tokyo Olympics. He also served as a coach in the Italian Softball League.
Jim Frost, “The Godfather of Softball in Tennessee”
Frost was a knife magnate, founder of the Frost Falcon travel ball organization, and longtime benefactor of the sport of softball in the state of Tennessee.
Melissa Jacobo, Louisville alumnus
Jacobo played for the Cardinals from 2000-02 and served as the team’s starting third baseman during her career. She was the first Cardinal to earn All-Region honors.
Hosea Bell, Langston University head coach
For his career, Bell tallied 795 career victories which placed him as the sixth winningest softball head coach in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Doug Gorsuch, Texas Glory coach
“He served as an amazing softball coach in the Lewisville [TX] community and touched the lives of so many young women,” Gorsuch’s obituary read.
Jane B. Moore, Auburn softball stadium namesake
Dr. Moore, after whom the Auburn softball stadium was named in 2002, passed away in July. An obituary called Moore “perhaps the most influential woman in Auburn Athletics history”.
Ann Rhoads, Alabama softball benefactor
Ann Rhoads, along with husband John, supported Alabama athletics through significant giving and the ‘Bama softball stadium bears their name.
Christan Dowling, Slowpitch softball player
Dowling was “one of the greatest offensive forces in women’s slowpitch history” and enjoyed a celebrated career on the slowpitch diamond.
Jeff Horohonich, Saddle Brook HS (New Jersey) coach
“Coach H” worked as a softball and girls basketball coach at Immaculate Heart and Lodi Immaculate and was most recently the head softball coach in Saddle Brook.
Bill Hicks, Firecrackers coach
Hicks “worked endlessly to help his Softball families and the athletes achieve their dreams, this was his true passion and no one worked harder,” a tribute read following his passing.
Amberly Montgomery, University of Mobile alumnus
“Amberly was loved by so many and was an integral part of the University of Mobile Softball program for the past three seasons,” the program said following her February death.
Paige Hilken, Concordia Irvine alumnus
A former CUI player, Hilken took her own life just four months after giving birth to her fifth child and while receiving mental health treatment. She was 28 years old.
Joey Melton, Texas Bombers coach
“The softball community lost a great coach in Joey Melton. He was always a great friend, mentor, and someone who always was there to help,” read one tribute.
Nip Anderson, West Virginia State coach
Anderson spent nearly two decades as part of the WVSU program, initially joining the staff in 2004. He served as the interim head coach for the 2021 season.
Kelli McGrail, Kennesaw State alumnus
“Kelli McGrail was one of the kindest, funniest, and most joyful souls,” read a tribute from one former teammate on social media.
Robby Wilson, National Scouting Report Director of Softball Scouting
If you were around club softball very long, then you likely crossed paths with Wilson, who was National Director of Softball Scouting for NSR.
Denisha Knight, Jackson State alumnus
Knight, who played at Jackson State last decade, was assaulted in late September and died of her injuries after the incident. She left behind a young daughter.
Jessica Spring, Texas State alumnus
“Even when Spring got sick, she stayed true to herself. She was a winner during her time in San Marcos. And she won, again, later in life when she beat cancer” for the first time.
Sophia Duong, California Cruisers player
Sophia was fourteen years old when she was diagnosed with a spinal tumor that later caused a stroke. She passed away in September after an incredibly brave battle.
Vern Stephens, Lil Rebels coach
Stephens was most recently was the 16U coach for the Lil Rebels travel ball organization, and passed away of pancreatic cancer in February.
Lauren Anderson, Georgian Court alumnus
Arguably the greatest pitcher ever in the history of Georgian Court softball, Anderson was a 2-time conference Player of the Year during her career and a 3-time All-American.
Kevin Kilburn, Finesse Fastpitch coach
Kilburn joined the Finesse organization in 1994 and was both a head coach and assistant within the organization since that time. He also coached the Michigan club softball team for many years.
Steve Harrington, Firecrackers coach
A veteran travel ball, high school, and collegiate coach, Harrington was regarded as “one of the best teachers in the game,” Sean Brashear said in a tribute.
Scott Herda, Midwest Speed coach
Herda was a former men’s fastpitch player and umpire, and also coached at Farmington High School and the Midwest Speed organization.
Jay Brainard, Tulsa Elite coach
Brainard passed away on November 15th. He coached the Tulsa Elite 316 24/25 16U team and left behind a wife and two daughters.
If we missed someone, let us know; email justin@extrainningsoftball.com.
