Franciscan University Hires Cleveland Softball Great

STEUBENVILLE – He is a 2005 Greater Cleveland Softball Hall of Fame inductee, multiple winner of all-city and all-world selection in softball, and member of the all-decade team from 1975-1985. Terry Leighty now joins the Franciscan University of Steubenville coaching staff as head softball coach for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

While an assistant softball coach at Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio, one of Terry’s players mentioned she would be attending FUS and was interested in trying out for the team.

“I said I would write a letter to the coach recommending this player,” said Leighty. “When I found out the coach was gone, I felt compelled to send my resume.  I figured if this young lady picked this school, it must be pretty special. And if the other young ladies were anything like her – what a great coaching opportunity.” 

From 1999 until 2004, Leighty served as the head softball coach at Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the first fast pitch coach in the school’s history.  During the six years at Holy Name, he brought the team to a record of 113-31 and won three conference titles, four district titles, and took the team to the regional championships three times. Leighty also earned the North Coast League Coach of the Year three times and in 2001 earned Plain Dealer Coach of the Year.

Leighty went on to coach the Notre Dame College softball team in South Euclid, Ohio, from 2004-2005. He surpassed the college’s previous school record of 16-26 with a record of 23-17 and took the team to the regional championship where they placed third. It was the college’s first trip to regional competition ever.

Leighty plans to bring this winning tradition to Lady Baron Softball. “I think what I look forward to most is building our program to where we are competitive in all games.  I especially look forward to working with the players that have endured some trying times, that haven't experienced winning, and are hungry to learn how to win.” 

The Lady Barons ended last season with a 3-25 overall record and 2-18 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. The team heads to Clermont, Fla., the week of March 14-18 for spring training.