TOMMY BRYANT

Softball Instructor

Tommy has been a staple in the Knoxville softball community for many years. He brings his high school coaching experiences at Concord Christian and Webb School to Diamond’s softball program.

BREN COLDREN

Softball Pitching Instructor

Bren played her college ball at Central College earning a 1 National Title; 4 WCWS appearances; 1st Team All America, Conference Player of the Year. After, she professionally in New Zealand. She has served as an assistant coach at Yale and Drake Universities before becoming a head coach at Iowa Western and Indiana State. Bren has been a private instructor for over 30 years.

KATHY LARUE

Softball Hitting & Catching Instructor

Kathy has coached softball for over 18 years in Tennessee and Arkansas. Before that, she received a full scholarship to play softball at Louisburg Jr College, Nichols State and McNeese State University. Kathy was one of only 106 invited to tryout for the first USA Olympic Softball team. Kathy is the director of the USA Diamond Select Softball.

OLIVIA PETERSON

Softball Hitting Instructor

Olivia Peterson was a standout at Florida Atlantic University from 2022-23 where she led the team in RBI, doubles, home runs, OPS and walks. She started every game at catcher, making only 3 errors in 257 chances. Olivia was awarded Second Team All-C-USA honors or her outstanding season. Prior to her time at FAU, Olivia played at the University of Minnesota which was cut short due to COVID-19.

Olivia is passionate about staying involved in the game and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of athletes.

MEREDITH SMITH

Softball Instructor

Smith began her college athletics coaching career in 2004 at the University of Tennessee working for two years as the director of softball operations under legendary coaches Karen and Ralph Weekly. From 2007 to 2019, as the head softball coach at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Smith led teams to 265 wins and became the winningest coach in that program’s story. In 2011, she was named the Summit League Coach of the Year after her team won 36 games, the most in a single season for the school. Smith ended her career at Kansas City with eight 20+ win seasons and has since owned and operated Intensity Athletics KC, a company that develops and trains athletes and teams in baseball and softball. She became Coffeyville Community College’s softball coach in June 2022. Smith is currently Head Coach of Pellissippi State Softball.

JESSICA STIFFLER

Softball Instructor

Jessica Stiffler brings 14 years of comprehensive coaching experience to the academy, spanning from Little League and travel ball to her current role as a Division I NJCAA coach at Pellissippi State CC. From experience as a tournament director and in travel softball organizations, she possesses a deep understanding of the game’s competitive landscape at every level. Jessica specializes in high-impact skill development, including hitting, slap hitting, bunting, and speed/agility training. Her mission is to help players of all ages sharpen their technical skills while building the confidence necessary to succeed both on and off the field.