Breaking News: Brittany Lewis & Chad O’Neal Launch Armor Elite (Full Interview Inside)

 

Bonnie Holland
Extra Inning Softball CEO
Nov 17, 2025 | 7:00PM ET

One of the most successful and respected coaches in the nation, Brittany Lewis, is officially stepping into a new chapter—and she isn’t doing it alone.

Lewis, the long-time head coach within the powerhouse Tennessee Mojo organization, founded in 2011 by Brooks Cherry, has announced the launch of a brand-new travel organization: Armor Elite, set to begin competition next spring.

Joining Lewis in this bold new venture is none other than Chad O’Neal, president of Georgia Impact Premier —an equally respected force in national travel ball circles. The collaboration of these two softball leaders immediately positions Armor Elite, as a top-tier contender with a player-first mission and a proven formula for success.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Lewis for an exclusive interview, and below is a deeper look at her vision, her player legacy, and what the future holds as Armor Elite, takes the field.

More from Coach Lewis

In follow-up to the exclusive interview, Coach Brittany Lewis offered additional insights that reflect just how deep her connection runs with the players she’s coached—and how far back her journey with many of them extends.

Lewis shared that Hannah Smith should be recognized alongside Stockwell, Bailey, and Cathey as part of the core group she began the Class of 2026 with—young athletes who have grown into fierce competitors under her leadership.

She also highlighted Molly Davi, a 2027 pitcher from Hawaii committed to Utah, as a unique full-circle moment.

“Molly actually was on my team, and when I left it, Chad took her—so what’s cool is she’ll technically be back under me now,” Lewis shared.

In addition to previously mentioned standouts like Kinley Pittman, Addison DeRoche, and Katie Norgard, Lewis wanted to be sure that Davi’s return was acknowledged as another powerful thread in the fabric of this launch.

Looking further back, Lewis reflected on the legendary 2020 class—a group that made waves nationally and laid the early foundation for her coaching reputation.

While names like Denver Bryant (South Carolina), Jessie Blaine (Mississippi State), Sydney Harris (North Alabama), and Danielle Taitt (North Alabama) are often referenced, she emphasized the importance of including Emya Munford (Memphis) and Aayanah Hughes (Troy), both of whom played for her starting in 12U.

“They were with me from the beginning,” she noted, underscoring the long-standing relationships that continue to shape her vision for Armor Elite.

These names don’t just represent talent—they represent the kind of athlete Brittany Lewis and Chad O’Neal have always developed: competitive, committed, and college-ready. And now, with Armor Elite, that tradition is about to evolve into something even more powerful.

 

A Legacy That Speaks for Itself

Over the past decade, Coach Lewis carved out an impressive résumé:

• coached 3 elite team

• 57 college commits — including 48 to Division I programs

• 1 PGF National Championship

• 10 years of national-level competitive success

Her impact reaches far beyond the wins column. Players consistently describe her as a mentor, a standard-setter, and the kind of coach who shapes competitors and people.

Kinley Pittman, an Ole Miss commit, 2026 Extra Inning Softball Commit Crew member and a standout with Team Mojo Lewis, reflected on her favorite memory: “Winning the PGF National Championship.”

But it’s what she said next that captures Lewis’s influence:

“She is not only a leader on the field but off the field. She cares about you as a person and who you become outside of softball.”

When EIS asked Pittman how Coach Lewis helped her reach her goals, she didn’t hesitate:

“She pushes me to be my best, even when I don’t wanna hear what she has to say. She doesn’t sugar-coat the truth and she makes you compete for what you have.”

That culture of accountability and personal development is exactly what Lewis plans to carry into Armor Elite.

In an equally stunning development, Chad O’Neal, president of Georgia Impact Premier, is partnering with Lewis to build the program from the ground up—uniting two of the most influential minds in competitive softball.

This collaboration marks one of the most high-profile organizational shifts in recent travel ball history.

O’Neal’s Vision for a New Standard

Chad O’Neal brings a reputation rooted in excellence, structure, and national-level player development — and he sees this partnership as a natural evolution of his commitment to the sport.

When asked about joining forces with Brittany Lewis, O’Neal emphasized the deeper purpose behind the move and the shared values that made the decision clear.

“After years of competing, you realize the people who push you the hardest are the ones who love the game the same way you do. Our years of doing this without our own children exemplifies our true passion for these players and helping them reach their goals. That’s why forming this club with Brittany feels exactly right.”

O’Neal added that the collaboration is about more than combining two successful coaching pedigrees — it’s about shaping a unified culture from the very start.

“We’ve competed against each other for years, and everyone knows we bring the same passion and the same standard to this game. That’s why building this club together just makes sense. What excites me most is having the opportunity to develop coaches and players from day one — and grow them into the standards we know college programs expect. We’re not just forming a club; we’re building a foundation, a culture, and a destination. Being able to shape this from the ground up, with someone who sees the game the same way I do, is something special.”

O’Neal’s perspective makes it clear: Armor Elite isn’t simply a new organization — it’s a purpose-driven project built on shared passion, long-term vision, and a commitment to elevating players at every level.

 

A Strategic Power Partnership

This announcement comes months after Extra Inning Softball published an August 25 feature where Mike Stith, Chad O’Neal, and Danielle Gibson Whorton offered recruiting insights from the top levels of the sport.

Now, one of those voices—O’Neal himself—is stepping into a new lane.

O’Neal, who has built Georgia Impact Premier into a national recruiting force, will join Lewis as a co-architect of Armor Elite. The pairing blends Lewis’s player-development excellence with O’Neal’s organizational and recruiting expertise.

Their partnership signals a bold, forward-leaning approach—and sends a clear message: Armor Elite is being built to compete at the highest national level from day one.

Why This Is a Landscape-Changing Move

The travel ball world rarely sees two leaders of this caliber join forces, especially from separate powerhouse organizations. For parents, players, and college coaches alike, this partnership represents:

• A new national contender rising instantly onto the scene

• A program backed by decades of proven development and recruiting success

• An organization rooted in accountability, excellence, and high-character coaching

• A leadership team that has produced dozens of DI athletes and national title runs

Armor Elite promises to bring a fresh identity while honoring the competitive values Lewis and O’Neal have long exemplified.

At Extra Inning Softball, our initiatives—to empower, inspire, and support young women pursuing softball at every level—mirror these values. The alignment is undeniable, and it reflects a shared commitment to elevating the next generation of competitors, leaders, and role models.

Armor Elite isn’t just launching a program. It’s launching a purpose. Be sure to Follow Armor Elite on social media: Twitter – Facebook – Instagram.

A New Force in Travel Ball

With Lewis’s track record, O’Neal’s leadership, and a mission centered on athlete development, Armor Elite is already emerging as one of the most significant new national contenders in years.

The fastpitch world will be watching closely as tryouts, coaching assignments, and program structure are announced.

This isn’t just a new organization—it’s the start of a powerhouse.

Extra Inning Softball will continue to provide updates as this major story develops.

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