Meet the 2025/2026 9U Storm Coaches

Marie Scardina began playing softball at age 4 and instantly fell in love with the game. She played competitively through her freshman year of high school, until a softball injury forced her to step away from the competitive arena. Although she could no longer compete at that level, she continued playing in other fastpitch leagues throughout high school and college.

Marie has experience as a pitcher, catcher and infielder, but truly fell in love with the outfield, where she now specializes. Softball has always been a major part of her life. When the opportunity came to help start the Wheaton and Bloomingdale 19-0 Women’s Fastpitch Softball League, she jumped at the chance.

Marie continues to play fastpitch today and manages the Blue Steel team. Wanting to do more, she began coaching four years ago to help other girls find their own passion for the game. She has returned to coach every season since. While she and her husband, Rob, do not have children yet, the energy and excitement of the game keep her coming back to support the next generation of players.

Robert “Rob” Scardina began playing T-ball at age 4 and continued through high school. He always loved being part of a team and working together toward a common goal. After high school, he was not ready to step away from the game, so he joined a slow-pitch softball league in Bartlett.

Rob has now played for 33 years and is still going strong. His strengths are hitting and infield, and over the years, he has played every infield position, with first base being his specialty.

He started coaching four years ago after Marie encouraged him to join her. After that first season, Rob quickly discovered how much he enjoyed helping players grow in skill and confidence. Even though he and Marie do not have children yet, his passion for softball and coaching keeps bringing him back season after season.

Madison “Maddi” Briggs started playing softball at age 5 and moved into travel softball by age 8. She was drawn to pitching because she wanted to help her team in any way possible, and soon realized she was naturally talented at it. One of her earliest coaches was Peaches James, who trained under Olympian Jennie Finch.

During her travel career, Maddi received interest from schools including the University of Kentucky, Northern Illinois University and the University of St. Francis. She went on to pitch at the collegiate level, further developing her skills and deepening her love for the game. Today, she continues to play fastpitch in the Wheaton and Bloomingdale 19-0 Women’s Fastpitch Softball League as the starting pitcher for Blue Steel. She also specializes in infield and hitting.

Maddi has two sons, one of whom currently plays travel baseball. Although she does not have a daughter in the program, her love for the sport drives her to help other girls discover the same passion for softball and pitching. She has been coaching for two years and has been a pitching coach for the last 10 years.