SOFTBALL Head Coach - Dale Atkinson

Email: datkinso@irsc.edu
(772) 462-7419

Head Coach Dale Atkinson is entering his 15th season as the Lady Pioneers Softball coach. In 2012 IRSC advanced to the FCCAA Regional Tournament for the fourteenth consecutive year posting a season record of 39-15; winning the Southern Conference Championship. Under his direction Indian River has developed into one of the most respected softball programs in the nation posting a career record of 677-170. In fourteen seasons Coach Atkinson and his staff have received many coaching awards including:

Eleven Southern Conference Coach of the Year awards
Five Region 8A Coach of the Year awards
Three Florida Community College Coach of the Year awards
National Junior College Coaching Staff of the Year
NFCA Coach of the Year
NFCA Southern Region Coaching Staff of the Year

During his tenure 139 of his players were named All-Conference, 53 players were named All-State, 22 players were named All Americans, 78 players have received scholarships to four-year universities but most importantly more than ninety five percent of the student athletes successfully completed the program and received their degrees. In fourteen years his teams have won:

Eleven Southern Conference Championships (2000-2007, 2009, 2011, 2012)
Three Florida State Championships (2002, 2004, 2005)
NJCAA National Championship (2002)

In addition to winning championships, his teams have recorded:

Five top five finishes in NJCAA National Championship Tournament
Five FCCAA Region Championships (2002-2006)

Prior to coaching at Indian River Coach Atkinson headed the Fillies softball program. In his five years with the Fillies his teams won the 1996 ISA National Championship Tournament and the NSA Florida State Championship tournament in 1997. Numerous players from the Fillies also earned scholarships to play softball. Four of his Filly players earned NCAA All American nominations while playing at their respective universities.

In 1975, Coach Atkinson graduated from Martin County High in Stuart, Fl., and began working in his family’s business. In 1982 he purchased his own company and served as its president for 19 years. In 2002 Coach Atkinson sold his business and returned to school earning his AA and AS degrees with honors from Indian River State College in 2004. In 2005 Coach Atkinson completed his bachelor’s degree program at Florida Atlantic University graduating with a major in Social Science and a minor in Business. Currently Coach Atkinson is enrolled in the MCAA program with Concordia University, working on his master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration. He lives in Palm City with his wife, Denise, also a graduate of IRSC.

Coach Atkinson works in the Adult Education Department at IRSC as a Retention Specialist and also serves as IRSC’s Assistant Athletic Director.

Assistant Softball Coach (Hitting) - Ty Young

Email: ty_suncoast@bellsouth.net
(772) 260-8845

Coach Ty Young serves Indian River’s softball programs Asst. Head softball coach. During his tenure as the primary hitting instructor Coach Young’s teams led the state in numerous offensive categories.

Prior to coaching at Indian River Coach Young headed the Fillies Fast-Pitch program. In his final season as coach of the Fillies, eight of his players received scholarships to NCAA universities. Six of the players went on to play in the Southeastern Conference, and one of his players later became a 1st team NCAA All American.

Coach Young owns his own private business and lives in Palm City with his wife and two children.

Assistant Softball Coach (Catching) - Lydia Fowler

Email: lydiafowler12@yahoo.com
(772) 528-7274

Lydia Fowler is entering her third season at Indian River State College. Coach Fowler, a graduate of Jensen Beach High School and Indian River State College where she stared as a catcher winning many awards.

After graduating from IRSC, Coach Fowler transferred to the University of Maryland where she served as a catcher for the Terrapins in 2008-09. Lydia began her coaching career giving private lessons and working clinics at the University of Maryland.

Coach Fowler returned home to the Treasure Coast in the fall of 2010 and is currently working on a second major in Education at Indian River State College. In addition to working with the Lady Pioneers Lydia also gives private and group softball lessons.