Who are we?

The Lady Sharks organization was started by Mike Richdale in 1992 in San Jose California. The organization quickly rose to national prominence with four top ten ASA National performances. This included a first place finish at the 16U level in 1996 and a fourth place finish at the 18U Gold level in 1997. After moving to Kirkland in 1999 Mike Richdale started the Northwest Lady Sharks organization which has experienced rapid success as well, with nationally qualified teams at the 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U levels of play. Furthermore, the organization continues to grow in size and prominence in the northwest and on the national softball scene. The Northwest and San Jose Lady Sharks will be fielding thirteen (13) teams for the 2006-2007 tournament season, with teams at the 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U levels of play.

Many players from the Lady Sharks organization have gone to Division I schools like CAL, Arizona and Arizona State. In addition, a Lady Sharks alumnus is now pitching on the USA Elite Team.

Lady Sharks players are exceptional student athletes motivated to compete and excel at the national and premier regional levels. Lady Sharks teams travel to regional, national championship and showcase tournaments.

The organization provides the opportunity and means for players to develop the physical skills and mental strength necessary to succeed with the Lady Sharks and prepare for high school and college play.

Lady Sharks teams know that respect is earned on the field through the combination of fiercely competitive play and gracious sportsmanship.

What makes the Sharks Organization the premier Fastpitch Club in the NorthWest?

Focus on fundamentals. A comment we hear wherever Sharks teams go is that our teams are consistently good at the fundamentals. Regardless of age level, Shark coaches are striving to develop kids into solid softball players. We work hard on the little things. Watch our 10U or 12U teams… they are doing the same drills as our 16’s and 18’s… over and over. Why? Because it matters. Mike Richdale frequently works with our coaches and teams to assure we are on page. Everyone shares the vision. If you are looking for a place where your softball player can develop her skills to the highest level, there is no better place than the Sharks Organization.

Consistency. Have a conflict and can’t make a practice with your own team? No problem. You can come another night and work out with any of our other teams. As a Shark player, you will fit right in and see that the coaches are teaching the same things, regardless of the team. Sure every coach has some individual differences and styles, but we are consistent across the entire organization in work ethic, attention to detail and sportsmanship.

Dedication. You will not find a more dedicated group of volunteer coaches, assistants and parents. The Sharks organization and its coaches are an extremely dedicated and driven group, focused on player development. Teaching the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship though Fastpitch softball is a great way to learn life lessons while having a great time in the process.

All of our teams, from 10U to 18 Gold, are working towards the goal of competing at the national level. Working hard and playing hard—Enjoying the ride along the way.

Browse our site and take a look at our teams competing across the country. Lots of hard work enabled these girls to earn the right to compete at national events, but notice—They are having the time of their lives!

Go Sharks!