AUSTIN STORM FASTPITCH SOFTBALL: Coaches

The Austin Storm coaching staff's mission is to develop talented young athletes mentally and physically, while providing an enriched environment so that they might realize their full potential.

The Austin Storm's goal is to offer the highest quality professional coaching, instruction and mentoring available anywhere in the state of Texas. All Austin Storm coaches currently coach or have coached college or high school softball, or have played Division I college softball. Many of our coaches have played through the Austin Storm organization and returned as coaches to help develop younger players.

We strive to offer the highest quality instruction to prepare our athletes for high school and college softball. The Austin Storm believes that ultimately the tools that its coaches pass along will help these young ladies succeed both on and off the field and in many other aspects of their lives.

Phil Koehler is the founding general manager of the Austin Storm and head coach of the 18U team. As one of Central Texas' most respected softball coaches and instructors, he brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to the organization. As general manager, his duty is to oversee and direct the development of all Austin Storm players and coaching assistants.

With a great understanding of game situations and player development, Phil oversees all team structure, development and personnel, while also serving as head coach of the 18U blue team. A tireless proponent of women's athletics and a community leader, Phil has promoted girls fastpitch softball locally and nationally, teaching young athletes that with great fundamentals and a love of the game, anything is possible.

Below are some of Phil's career acheivements:

NSA Coach of the Year, 2000
Head Coach, St. Edwards University, 1989-96, Record: 203-128 (.613)
Heartland Conference Coach of the Year, 1989, '92 & '94
Heartland Conference Champions, 12th in US, 1995
Heartland Conference Champions, 19th in US, 1992
Head Coach, St. Pius High School, Houston, 1979-89
State Finalists, 1981 & '82
ASA Coach, Houston, 1974-79

Paul Sladek, 16U Head Coach

TAPPS District Championship, 2011
Head Coach, 16U ASA Hall of Fame Nationals (9th Place), 2011
Head Coach, 16U ASA Nationals, 2011
Assistant, ASA Gold Nationals, 2003
Three-Time ASA Qualified Nationals Assistant Coach
TAPPS Softball District President
College Recruiting Coordinator, 2011
Member NHSCA, NFCA & ACE Certified

Former Austin Storm Coaches & Assistants

Meryl Bell, St. Edwards University
Ray Bishop, Austin High School
Stephanie Blair, Texas State University
Nikki Cockrell, University of Texas
Amy Coulter, Westlake/Duncanville High School/St. Edwards University
Keely Franks, University of Texas
Haley Gaddis, Southwest Texas State
Jason Gwyn, University of Texas/Texas Women's College
Marlo Hanks, University of Texas
Stephany Hughes, Southwest Texas State
Shawna Lawless, Texas A&M University at Kingsville
Nina Lindenberg, Fresno State University
Alejandro "Alex" Lozoya, University of Texas
Andi Lyons, Florida State/Akins High School
Melissa Martin, University of Texas
Cat Osterman, University of Texas & US Olympic Gold Medalist
Jennifer Painter, Texas A&M University, Kingsville/Bastrop HS
Ashton Peters, Texas State University
Mandi Phillips, St. Edwards University
Ashley Ready, Texas Tech University
Katherine Ritcher, University of Texas
Angie Scharnhorst, University of Texas
Jessica Spring, Texas State University
Jane Teixeira, University of Texas
Christa Williams, University of Texas
Ashley Wilson, Texas State University
Kristen Zaleski, Texas State University