Linda Derk

Linda Derk provides structured, professional softball instruction and equipment and apparel consultation for both individuals and teams. A comprehensive softball background that includes coaching at every level of the game provides the foundation for offering a detailed program that focuses on player development on and off the softball diamond.

In 1998, the Women’s Professional Softball League hired Linda as the first full time head coach of the Tampa Bay Firestix. Under Derk’s guidance, the Firestix won the 1999 regular and post season championships. That year she was named All-Star Coach and Coach of the Year.

Since the professional days Linda has been a successful business owner who travels around the world instructing fastpitch softball.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

 
2008
Linda Derk, Inc. (LDI): Owner. In charge of all aspects of the business development. LDI is a developing fastpitch softball business offering diverse products/services related to instruction, sponsorship, motivational speaking, live radio and television broadcast, camps, and more. LDI is a mobile company with a worldwide market.

2001-2008
Get Game, Inc.: Owner. In charge of sponsorship, accounting and development. Linda assisted in developing the fastpitch softball business into a state, national and internationally prominent company.
 
HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE

 
2001-2006
Palm Beach Community College

2003
NY/NJ Juggernaut, National Professional Fastpitch

1998-2001
Tampa Bay Firestix, Women’s Professional Softball League

1995-1998
Indiana State University

1988-90
East Stroudsburg University
 
ASSISTANT COACHING EXPERIENCE

 
1994-1996
United States Military Academy

1991-1994
Temple University

1991
Drexel University
 
EDUCATION

 
1993
Temple University: M.Ed. in Sport Management

1987
Slippery Rock University: BA in Health and Physical Education, with an emphasis in coaching
 
PLAYING EXPERIENCE

 
1994
Level II Olympic Tryout Participant

1985-1996
Allentown Patriots Women's Club: ASA Major Amateur Fastpitch Team

1983-1987
Slippery Rock University: Softball and basketball; 4 year letter winner
 
AWARDS/HONORS

 
2008
Little League Aruba Service Award

2003
Slippery Rock University Hall of Fame

2000
St Leo Women of the Year Award (Team)

2000
Girl Scout Community Service Award

1999
WPSL Championship Team

1999
WPSL Coach of the Year

1999
WPSL All-Star Coach

1998
First Full-time Head Coach in WPSL History

1987
Captain, Basketball & Softball team; 4 year letter winner

1986
PSAC Basketball Champions

1986
NCAA Division II Sweet 16 Basketball Participant
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE

 
Habitat for Humanity

Softball for Hearts

S.E.R.V.E Volunteer Speaker
 
PERSONAL

 
Born 2/26/1965; parent’s Ronald and Veronica; twin sister Karen, sister Judy, brothers Ron and Bob. Makes her home in St. Petersburg Florida where she enjoys working on her house, fishing and spending time with family and friends.