Several club softball organizations in the Midwest where Coach Scott Cilenti had made his mark—Finesse out of Michigan and the Ohio Outlaws and Beverly Bandits from the Buckeye State—are hurting from the loss of the popular coach who died this week after suffering a heart attack.
Coach Scott leaves behind his wife, Tonya, and son Dontae, who currently plays football at Youngstown State. The travel ball coach also made a big impact on those who were in his inner circle, according to coach and fellow Beverly Bandit leader David Trackwell.
“Scott loved his family deeply and was so proud to brag about them,” the Bandits coach explains, “especially Dontae who this year is cracking the football lineup at Youngstown State. The one will be lined up waiting to see him first (in heaven) is their daughter Dezirae who they lost four years ago.”
Dezirae, Coach James Leggins of the Ohio Outlaws remarks, was Scotti’s connection to the sport for a long time.
“She was an unbelievable softball player and played all over the country for multiple big organizations.”
*** Click HERE to go to the GoFundMe set up to help the family with expenses
It is with great sadness that we share our Coach Scott Cilenti, passed away this weekend. Scott’s love of coaching was shared with many young athletes and he will be missed. A memorial fund has been set-up to help with the expense of this sudden loss. https://t.co/o1TzFlhbsf
— Beverly Bandits Premier Trackwell/Meredith 16U (@BanditsTrackMer) September 9, 2021
Coach Cilenti was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and was heavily involved in fastpitch softball for much of his life; at the time of his passing, he worked full-time in giving hitting coaching lessons and coaching travel ball teams.
For the last year, he worked with Coach Trackwell and the Ohio-based side of the Bandits. Previous to his joining the Bandits in the Summer of 2020, he had been with the Ohio Outlaws since 2019 working with James Leggins and before that was with Brian May’s Finesse Fastpitch team.
“This last week I lost a real friend!” begins Coach Leggins. “To describe him to someone who didn’t know him, he was the guy you get a text from at 1 am with the most absurd (comments) and/or a random picture that made you shake your head (laughs). Also the guy you call or text at 2 am and say, ‘Come help me bring a shovel’ and he doesn’t ask why!”
Growing serious, James Leggins continues.
“We started as softball circle friends and realized quickly we were two real dudes that loved the game and teaching and also loved being sarcastic and we bonded. When we started #The05Thing together I realized who Scott really was. He was on a mission to teach this game at the highest level to as many kids that really wanted to (learn) for as long as his body would let him.”
“Scotti did it! Every team and every player he coached he impacted and left an impression. Everyone has a great Coach Scotti story!” We loved messing with everyone but he truly had a heart of gold. I’m so thankful to have called him a best friend these last couple years.”
Regarding his impact on those he coached and was around, the Outlaw leader says Scotti was one of a kind.
“Scott was more than a coach,” explains Coach Leggins. “He coached every day to see the girls be great! To teach them more than about softball but also about life. He always had something to say and a one liner to back it up. Scott was more than a coach, he was my “Cumbar,” he was a best friend! Nobody did it like him… nobody!
Then, speaking directly to his fallen friend, Coach Leggins opens up his heart.
“Thank you for the stories the memories, the texts, the two-hour phone calls, the Zoom calls making cutlets… thank you for being there for me! Rest easy my friend… until we meet again.”
Read on to see what his fellow coaches and players had to say about Coach Scott’s influence and impact in their lives
*****
Tributes to Coach Scott Cilenti
When I first had a conversation with Scott over the phone about him joining my staff, I knew immediately he was the perfect fit. After the first practice, he completely validated that with his knowledge of the game, his intensity, and his caring demeanor with the girls. Over the years, we became best friends, talking almost daily about softball, life, and everything in between. To know he left us by doing what he loved, helping others, brings me great solitude. His loss can’t be filled by anyone but the memories and stories we all have will carry on for a lifetime. I am a better coach because of Scott Cilenti and the girls are better people/players because of him.
Brian May, Finesse Fastpitch
Scott was more than a coach. He coached every day to see the girls be great! To teach them more than about softball but also about life. He always had something to say and a one liner to back it up. Scott was more than a coach, he was my “Cumbar” he was a best friend! Nobody did it like him! Nobody! #The05thing4ever
James Leggins, Ohio Outlaws – Leggins
When I first met Scotti I wasn’t sure how to take him and or if we would mesh coaching together – fast forward to almost two years later and the relationship we had built in my opinion was second to none and extremely special! Scotti had the best sense of humor and could lighten the mood with his quick one-liners and our Beverly Bandit team and families absolutely adored his presence….. I am definitely going to miss our one hour and at times 2 hour long phone conversations about how the tournament went and just talking about nonsense for good laughs. You’re going to be missed by so many, I don’t think you truly knew how many people you impacted over these years including me – we love you brother….. As Scotti would always say “take it easy!”
David Trackwell, Beverly Bandits
I was scheduled to have a hitting lesson with Scott the night my family and I received the news. It hit me hard, to say the least. I’ve worked closely with Scott since 2018. To call him merely a coach doesn’t do him justice. Scott was a mentor, a friend even. Each session with Scott meant an hour of nonstop laughs and coaching tips that will stick with me for a lifetime. He preached personal growth and confidence on the field through both his actions and his words. His no-filter, no-apologies mindset has and will continue to inspire me to be a driven leader in so many aspects of life. Every girl that has worked with Scott came out better than they started, both as talented players and as genuine people. Going from seeing him weekly to seeing him only in memoriam will be an immensely difficult task, but the Scott I’ve known for years wouldn’t want anyone to dwell on the past. Of course, there’s things I regret and will miss- not being able to tell him about September 1st in person, seeing the pride on his face when I finally commit to my dream school, hearing his cheers in the crowd during my first collegiate game- but, I know he’ll be smiling down on me throughout the whole process. I promised him I’d work hard and achieve my goals. Therefore, I promise to you that my future in softball will be dedicated to Scott Cilenti.
Emma Pietrzak, 2023, 3B/C, Outlaws – Leggins & Scotti Cilenti hitting student
When I think about Scott Cilenti of course all of the obvious things come to mind: his hitting expertise, his random (often inappropriate) comments, and his stories of the old neighborhood. But for me, the biggest impact Coach Scott had on our family was reminding us about priorities. Through his many years on the softball field as a parent, spectator and coach he has seen and experienced the pressure parents often put on the girls. He taught us so much about the importance of valuing relationships over perfection. Although we may be frustrated by an at bat, or a fielding error he helped us gain perspective on what mattered most- softball is temporary, family is forever. I will be eternally grateful for this lesson- thank you Coach Scott!
Diane Pietrzak, mother of Emma Pietrazak
I’m still trying to process that this is reality. Coach Scott spent endless hours trying to do what’s best for my teammates and I. Coach Scott cheered me on and supported me whether he was my coach or watching on the sidelines, it did not matter. Scott was so passionate about what he did and he opened so many doors for me and gave me so many opportunities. Coach Scott always was an amazing person to be around on and off the field because of his goofy personality; he never failed to make me laugh. Today I was at the fields hitting and I seen a rainbow stretched across the outfield. Rainbows are a sign of hope and I’m certain that God was telling us everything is going to be okay and coach Scott is watching over all of us in heaven with God. I’m thankful to have known such an amazing person and I’m going to miss him dearly. And I’ll always remember as coach Scott repeatedly said, “love the game and it will love you back.” Coach Scott, this year I will be playing for you ❤️
Natalie Susa, 2024 P/UT, Ohio Outlaws
Man, where do I start? Coach Scott was the life of the party, looking to make everyone laugh hysterically when being around them. I’m sure tons of people can name off many Coach Scott stories and I sure do have several. Not only was he a great person, he was an amazing coach. If you know me, I talk a lot in the outfield and that all started with Coach Scott. He once told me, “It doesn’t matter the position you’re playing, always be the one that sticks out.” That has stuck with me to this day. The amount of knowledge Coach Scott brought to the game was an insane amount that has helped shape me into the player I am today. Although I only played for him a year, that year was probably the highlight of my career. I will forever be grateful for the experience he passed down to me and the opportunity to play under him. Thank you for everything, Coach Scott. You will forever be missed.
Camryn Sterling, 2022 OF, Finesee – May
Scott met Jenna’s “big personality” head on; matched it, raised it, and never stopped making her laugh. He was a big influence on her on the field and in life. In her words, “Honestly, he was inspirational, showing me that when going through tough times, it’s not too hard to put on a happy, brave face and make the best out of every situation.” We know he did that every day and she will carry that skill with her for her entire life. He actually taught all of us that you can handle anything if you truly try, and there is ALWAYS something to laugh about.
Heather Bloomfield – Mother of Jenna Bloomfield, Finesse – May
Scott had the best sense of humor and he needed it to coach this bunch of teenage girls. He always brought the fun whether it was throwing muffins down the hotel hall, waiting for them with water balloons or setting off fireworks in the parking lot the girls loved him. He truly was one of the good guys that always put the girls first. Rest In Peace “Scotti” and prayers to his family.
Crystal Hensley – Mother of Ava Hensley, Beverly Bandits – Trackwell/Cilenti
Softball is a huge part of our lives. Teammates and coaches come and go but memories and friendships last a lifetime. We are blessed this guy walked into our lives a few years ago. Forever in our hearts ♥️💔 “Take it easy” coach Scotti Cilenti…RIP
Brooke Ratliff – Mother of Ava Ratliff, Beverly Bandits – Trackwell/Cilenti
Addy Poe and Coach Scotti had a bond like no other, they gave each other a hard time weekend after weekend. The impact you had on our daughter cannot be measured, Scotti you will be GREATLY missed by everyone and especially Addy Poe, she will be lost for a while but I know you are looking down on her and guiding her every day and telling her to keep her head up and keep moving, everything will be fine. Till we meet again Coach Scotti, rest easy and know that we all LOVE YOU!!💔🥎🧡🖤
Melissa Poe – Mother of Addy Poe, Beverly Bandits – Trackwell/Cilenti
This is truly heartbreaking. Rest In Peace, Coach Scott you were loved by many and will be so incredibly missed. Thank you for being a part of my life and having such a huge impact. You have made me the player I am today with all your guidance and support. I will never forget all the laughs and smiles you shared with my teammates and me. This will hit the softball community hard as you had such a huge impact on myself and many athletes. Prayers to your family and all those that knew you. May you rest in peace, as heaven has gained another beautiful soul.
Allie Kovacevich (AKA “Joe Fabulous”), 2023, 2B/OF, Ohio Outlaws – Leggins
