Storm Fastpitch was founded in 2008 through the inspiration of several High School Fastpitch programs in Lexington and Richmond, Kentucky who wished to prepare Middle School aged girls for the Competitive Edge needed to play at the High School Level.

The Storm enjoyed remarkable success in its first season. In its Inaugural Season The Storm played in thirteen Tournaments and placed Third twice, Runner Up four times and Won Four Championships! The response to this has been extraordinary! The Storm grew to 3 teams in the Fall of 2008 preparing for the 2009 season.

To begin 2009 The Storm has Incorporated and is now Storm Fastpitch Inc.

 Storm Fastpitch Inc. is an Amateur Sports Management and Development Company currently specializing in Women's Fastpitch Softball with aggressive plans for expansion.

The 2009 Storm has an Exciting schedule in store for all three teams. The Storm plans on travel to Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio along with facing the challenges provided by the Best Kentucky has to offer! 

Players wishing to take their game to the next level, obtain increased exposure to the highest levels of the game of fastpitch softball and demonstrate a committment to excellence through dedication, sportmanship and hard work are the foundation of  Storm Fastpitch.

Are you ready for The Storm?

It has been nearly seven years since a team from Richmond has won a Medal in fast pitch softball at the BlueGrass State Games. To celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the games Richmond’s own Storm Fastpitch Inc. has shattered that momentous achievement. The Storm won Gold at both the 10U and 14U age groups and took Silver at the 12U age group.

The 10U Storm, coached by Todd Burchell and Todd Montgomery went undefeated posting a perfect 4-0 record. The NSA World Series Qualifying 10U’s were led by pitching stars Sarah Beth Arthur and Mikayla Vires. The 10U Storm is also battling for the over all NSA points leader in the State with the 10U Bat Cats from Anderson Co. as well as the 12U and 14U Storm.

The 12U Storm took a perfect 3-0 record into the Championship Game before finishing second to the Havoc from Paris. Pitchers Haylee Hamm (7^th Grade – East Jessamine H.S. Junior Varsity) and Desiree Johnson (7^th Grade Madison Middle) led the attack despite missing 3 key starters all weekend. “Our young players really stepped up this weekend,” said Head Coach Tom Hamm. “I am extremely proud of what these young ladies have accomplished and never giving up despite some tough circumstances.” Shortstop Janessa Deaton (7^th Grade Clark Moores Middle), Second Baseman Olivia Moon (6^th Grade Clark Moores Middle) and Centerfielder Mary Fyfe (7^th Grade Garrard Co. Middle) all had tremendous weekends both at the plate and in the field. Other remarkable contributions came from Sarah Akihary, Callie Lowery, Hannah Coldiron, Breanna Mink and McKenzie Wilder.

The performance of the 14U team was nothing short of amazing. The 14U Storm allowed only one unearned run the entire tournament. Three of the four opponents faced by Hannah Miniard (8^th Grade Garrard Co. H.S.) and Katelyn Blair (9^th Grade Rockcastle H.S.) were shut out with Blair recording two. Katelyn “Bug” Blair also threw a No Hitter in the Championship Game against a powerful KC Diamond Gem team. The hitting stars for the Storm 14u were Madison Schneid (9^th Grade Model H.S.) and Madison DeBord (8^th Grade Garrard Co. H.S.). Each Madison drove in six runs in the tournament with DeBord doubling three times and Schneid tripling.

“We were extremely excited to get Bug back in the line up this weekend,” said Head Coach Dave Moon. “Bug compliments Hannah on the mound and gives us two arms throwing 60-plus mph.” Blair had been out several weeks recovering from tendonitis in her throwing arm. “Her leadership and presence were missed. She also gives Hannah a chance to rest a game now and then making her even more dominant on the mound.”

With starting catcher Ramie Goldey on vacation 2008 Storm MVP Brittany Sears (8^th Grade Henry Clay H.S.) took over behind the plate. “Brittany was nothing short of spectacular this weekend,” said Moon. “She threw out every runner trying to steal and picked off one at first base. She had no passed balls and made some incredible stops. She does a great job handling our pitchers. You can’t ask for more from your catcher.”

Fresh off a dual tournament victory for both the 12U and 14U at the NSA World Series Qualifier Richmond Blast just two weeks prior, the Storm Organization enjoyed its finest weekend to date. “Few teams from this area have reached the finals of The Games. Even fewer have taken Gold.” said Coach Moon. “What our girls have achieved this year is nothing short of amazing and should be remembered for years to come. What a great way to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the BlueGrass State Games and an honor to represent Richmond in such fashion.”

It was a Big Weekend for Storm Fastpitch in Danville, Ky on June 6th and 7th. Both Storm 10U and 12U teams fought their way through the Winner's bracket and found the Championship Round of the Schutt Scholarship Classic World Series Qualifier.

The 12U Team, coached by David Johnson, Tom Hamm and David Lowery battled past a very formidable B.C. Battitude Yellow team to claim the Championship and a berth into the NSA World Series held in Northwest Indiana in July. This was a hard fought series all tournament. The Storm beat the Battitude 3-2 to advance to the final and forced the Battitude into the Loser's Bracket. The Battitude, who won a berth to the World Series by claiming the title in Paris, Ky the prior week, won its way back into the Championship Series. The Battitude took advantage of several Storm errors and drilled the 12U's 13-1 in the opening Championship Game. This woke up the Storm and in the Championship Final they scored 5 runs in the third inning to take a commanding 5-1 lead. The Battitude would not give up and answered the Storm with 4 more in their half of the next inning, tying the game at 5-5.

With time running out on the Storm lead off hitter Mary Fyfe (Garrard Co. Middle School) struck out on a rise ball giving the Battitude even more momentum. Fyfe had already had 2 hits in the game. With one out and an 0-2 count, Storm second baseman Olivia Moon (Clark-Moores Middle School) came through with a clutch triple into the right field corner to put the winning run at third. Shortstop Katie Brock (Madison Middle School) then singled to left scoring Moon and giving The Storm the advantage. Starting pitcher Desiree Johnson (Madison Middle School) took the mound and withstood the Battitude assault. After a lead off single to center and an infield single on a tremendous stop by Shortstop Katie Brock, Johnson got 2 hitters to pop up weakly on changeups to set up the final out. Johnson got the last out to ground out to Moon at second base to seal the first Championship of 2009 for Storm Fastpitch and send the 12U team to the World Series. It was Johnson's second Win against the Battitude in the tournament.

The 10U Storm battled to its second Championship contest of the season and ultimately finshed runner up to a powerful Diamond Dot team. The final score was 14-10 Dots but the game was thrilling as the Storm mounted a late inning rally that was cut short by a controversial call.

Storm teams have placed 4th 3 times, 3rd twice, Runner Up two times and Won one Championship so far in 2009. All tournaments played have been Class A/B.

The exciting Storm 10U Team continued its fast start in 2009. Playing in only its second tournament The Mighty 10's found their way to the Championship Game! The Storm entered the Championship Round of the NSA Rust Buster Class A/B World Series Qualifier with a Perfect 4-0 Record. It was there that they found there is more work to do to reach the top. The Bat Cat Red Team from Anderson Co. was there to meet the challenge.

The Mighty 10's finished Runner Up for the weekend. This is an incredible achievement for our Brand New Team. It sure didn't take this group long to reach the promised land! Now they know what it will take to bring home Gold. This group will not be denied for long!

Notable in this tournament was the emergence of two more pitchers joining Ace Sarah Beth "Spyder" Arthur. Courtney Patton and Laylee Burchell turned in stellar performances on the mound. Both pitchers struck out double digit batters in their games!

Great Job Ladies and Coaches!

Everyone knew that Storm 14U Ace Pitcher Hannah Miniard could take over a game. Hannah showed us all over and over in the Fall of 2008 that she was a Force to Reckon with. In 2009 our Eighth Grader is dominating some of the Best High School teams in Kentucky. Hannah has been nothing less than spectacular for the Varsity Garrard Co. High School Golden Lions. She has had several victories over Top 10 rated teams this season.

What is even more exciting is her bat has come alive! Hannah hit her first "Out of the Park" Home Run this past weekend in a Key Game against a tough Ryle team. She has been ringing up fences all over Central Kentucky as of late but this time the fence could not contain her. Hannah is the second of the Storm Super 8th Graders to go yard for their High School Teams.

The Storm 14U Team has 10 of its 14 players on 6 different High School rosters across Central Kentucky. In just 3 short weeks they reunite for what should be an INCREDIBLE 2009 Season!

"Whatcha Gonna Do When The Storm Runs Wild On You?"

The 10U Storm Stars placed 4th in the Clear Creek Spring Swing Tournament. This was the first tournament for our New 10U team. They started their season off with a NSA Class A-B World Series Qualifier. Little did we know they would thrill us all and come within 1 run of the chance to battle for second place! The young Storm were stopped in the Quarterfinal game by the Rockers of Versailles 3-2. What was even more frustrating was the girls led 2-1 heading into the last inning. This was a fantastic way to start the season. The girls found out early they can compete with the Best and are not far from the Championship Game!

Storm Hurler Sarah Beth Arthur was fantastic all weekend long. Sarah (aka. "Spyder") Beth struck out 39 for the tournament and had games of 13 and 11 K's. Courtney Patton led the Storm 10U in hitting, batting .444 for the weekend.

Great Job and a Fantastic Start to 2009!

Storm 14U star and 2008 Batting Champion Finley Yuttayong  picked up her first win for 2009 last night at Tates Creek High School (Lexington, KY) against Lexington Christian Academy. Finley, an eighth grader, is the Number One starting pitcher for TCHS and Head Coach Jeff Shearer.

Finley was dominating on the mound from the start of the game. She also hit her First Ever home run over the centerfield fence into a strong headwind! This is just the first of many more to come. Finley was one of the 25+ Storm players who participated in the Off-Season Crosstraining and Conditioning Program established by Storm Fastpitch Inc. Just another testament to what hard work and dedication can do for you!

What is even more amazing is Tina Godby, Media Director for Storm Fastpitch Inc. and Owner of Godby Photography managed to catch the moment forever with an INCREDIBLE photograph! (see above).

Tina will be performing her Art at all StormWatch Series Tournaments this Summer and Fall!

Congrats Finley! Way to go !

The "StormWatch 2009 Series" of four tournaments sponsored by Storm Fastpitch Inc. and Kentucky NSA are now posted online for registration. The tournaments will be played at Tates Creek High School and Gainesway Park in Lexington, Ky as well as at the Cardinal Run Sports Complex.

The first of the tournaments has been designated a World Series Qualifier by Kentucky NSA. The First Place Team in each age group wins a bid to the NSA World Series in 2009.

The last three tournaments are designated as Fun Tournaments and are open to all classes.

Each tournament will have Action Photography by Godby Photography on site, Full concessions and drinks provided by Pepsi Co. a major contributor to Storm Fastpitch Inc., Fastpitch Merchandise and Apparel from Richmond Sporting Goods, Air Brush Artists and many other surprises.

At each tournament there will be chances available to win a Brand New Mizuno "Frenzy" bat among other items.

First and Second Place Team and Individual Awards will be presented for each age group. Player of the Game Pins will be awarded to a player from each team following every contest.

The dates for the Series are:

StormWatch 2009 - One (WSQ) June 26, 27 and 28 (12U and 14U only)

StormWatch 2009 - Two            August 14, 15 and 16 (10U - 12U and 14U)

StormWatch 2009 - Three         September 4, 5 and 6 (10U - 12U and 14U)

StormWatch 2009 - Four           October 9, 10 and 11 (10U - 12U and 14)

 NSA rules will be followed and signed online NSA registration as well as proof of team insurance will be required at check in.

Prinicple contact for the tournament series is:

David Moon

President of Storm Fastpitch Inc.

859-893-0435

dndmoon@hughes.net

Please make all checks out to: Storm Fastpitch Inc.

Storm Fastpitch Inc. is proud to announce the launching of SFI RECRUITING SERVICES.

http://www.sfirecruitingservices.blogspot.com/

This off season has been a busy one for the Stars of Storm Fastpitch. Our girls have been involved in a Strength and Conditioning Program all winter long. They have also participated in twice weekly skill training sessions. So what else do The Best do to get even Better?

They seek the help of The Most Complete Player in the World!

Storm Fastpitch sent 14U Thunder Award Winner and Batting Champion, Finley Yuttayong (Tates Creek High School) , to work with Jessica Mendoza in early February. Finley got an opportunity to work on improving her skills under the guidance of The Premier Hitter on Team USA. It was a Dream Come True for Finley to hang out with, work out with, and get pointers from the Best Hitter in the World!

While the Storm would have loved to have all 45 of its players with Jessica, only a select few from the State of Kentucky got the chance for this incredible opportunity. This is just another example of what The Best do to get even Better!

This is what it is like to part of The Storm!

(More pictures can be seen on the Storm Album Page)

Photos courtesy of Tina Godby, Media Director for Storm Fastpitch Inc.