Charlie Ball, Head Coach and President

Head Coach and President, Charlie Ball, enters his 28th season with the Thunderbirds; however, his years of experience far exceeds his time with the organization. Coach Ball has 37 years of experience coaching at all levels – from community, to high school and 14u to 18u Gold travel, and is well respected among the softball family. Because of his success and reputation, he has formed great relationship with many of the areas most successful softball programs and college coaches. Due to his relationships he gets bids into many of the tri-state areas most prestigious tournaments. He has created many winning teams since 1994 for the organization and many of his athletes have gone on to play college softball. 

In 2011 Coach Ball took on the head coaching job at Gwynedd Mercy High School Academy and has boosted a successful high school coaching career. He has produced winning records for 7 of 11 seasons as head coach and in the last 5 years has made it to district playoffs. In 2021, he lead his teams to their first ever conference championship. 

Since stepping down as head coach of the 18U Gold team he has been helping to coach and develop the 14U team. His emphasis at this age is to teach the girls the game of softball, while developing their skills so when they get to 18U he can help them take the next steps in their softball career should they wish to move on past travel and high school.

Coach Ball truly believes in creating an atmosphere that gives young athletes a place to play more competitive softball while helping to teach them lessons that can be used far beyond the softball field. While many coaches count their wins and losses as their success story, he counts his success as the players he helps improve and learn the game as well as those who move on to play at higher levels. He is truly in this sport for the girls!