18u Brian Bowman

Brian Bowman, has over 30 years of experience in and around the game of girls fastpitch softball. Starting as an umpire in Southern California for his two sisters softball organization. Most recently coaching the 2015/2016 Chicago Cheetahs 18u. Brian has built an impressive coaching resume over the last ten years. Starting his travel softball coaching as an assistant coach for the Downers Grove Outlaws 11u team back in 2009, he went on to assistant coach both the Downers Grove Outlaws and the Illinois Outlaws 11U and 12U “A” travel teams. Before heading up the Downers Grove Rebels 13u and 14u A travel teams. Brian joined the Downers Grove Rebels/Dolls board as well in 2011 as the leader of player development for the organization continuing that role today.  In 2013 Brian decided the Rebels/Dolls organization needed a college exposure team to compete nationwide with some of the best programs in the United States.  He set out to start that by adding his team as the first Chicago Cheetahs 16u team.  Right from the start he built one of the top midwest teams, finishing the 2014/2015 season by qualifying for PGF Premier Nationals in Huntington Beach and finishing 25th.  His second year as President of the Chicago Cheetahs he added a 14u team (Gusel) and a 16u team (Steinhaus).  Again heading up the 2015/2016 18u Team Brian qualified for PGF Premier Nationals Huntington Beach – finishing 33rd.  In 2016 Brian rounded out the Chicago Cheetahs with what is today two 14u teams, two 16u teams, and his 18u team.  He is most proud of the impressive list of girls he has coached currently playing in college.  And of course the experience of coaching his daughter Nicole for over 6 years, Nicole is currently a freshman playing softball for Rutgers University in the Big Ten.  He really enjoys working with each and every player in the organization, while helping each player enjoy the game of softball.  Brian lives in Downers Grove with his wife Tami and daughter Nicole.

Accomplishments

• 2015/2016 – 33rd PGF Premier Nationals
• 2014/2015 – 25th PGF Premier Nationals
• 2013/2014 – 17th ASA/USA “A” Nationals
• 2012/2013 – 5th USSSA Florida Nationals

Coaching Philosophy

• Individual development
• Focus on Fundamentals of the game and skill development at both infield and outfield positions
• Develop confidence in all players
• Focus on leadership in each girl, being mentally and physically tough
• Challenge each girl to be winners on and off the field
• Develop responsible and accountable female athletes
• Focus on giving back to the game of softball
• Create an environment where
  • Friendships are fostered
  • Discipline is emphasized
  • Fundamentals and mechanics are stressed at all times
  • Respect for the game and each other is encouraged

Assistant Coaches

• Shannon Felde
  • Contact Info:
    Email: stfelde28@gmail.com
    Phone: (630) 306-0288
  • Illinois State University – Pitcher, Utility
    First team all MVC seclection – two time
    NFCA All Mideast region 13 – 3x
    MVC all tournament team
    .357 average – lead the team in batting
    21 game hit streak – second longest in ISU history
    One of four players nationally with only one strike out during regular season
• Kaylee Purgatorio
  • Contact Info:
    Email: kayleep33@icloud.com
    Phone: (630) 880-9172
  • Cheetah Alumni
  • Lake Forest College – 2021 – present
    Second team Midwest Conference