Directors
Who We Are and Why We Do It
DEB HARTWIG
President
Deb Hartwig, professional softball instructor and Owner/Founder of JustSOFTBALL. Est. in May 2000. After leaving the Division I coaching ranks and working lessons in a baseball ruled area, Deb decided to create something just for softball. With the help and encouragement of friends and colleagues she worked hard establishing relationships with youth leagues and communities. Partner of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, tournament director for the Judi Garman Classic and Champions Cup, Deb has built a strong and respected reputation in the field of softball.
SUSIE PARRA
Vice President
Susie Parra is a professional softball instructor whose personal brand is to “Never be Satisfied”. Susie attended the University of Arizona where she was a 3-time NCAA National Champion in Softball. Honda Award winner. PAC 12 Hall of Fame, Arizona Hall of Fame. In her four years, posted a 9-1 record in College World Series play with eight shutouts and a 0.00 ERA. Susie’s goal is to “Give back to the youth and give the opportunities given to me no matter what level they want to compete at.”
SHERELL VANCE
Treasurer
Sherell Vance is a professional softball coach and an accomplished pitcher who serves as the co-tournament director of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic as well as the Judi Gaman Invitational. She also served as the previous NPF Champ Series Co-Director and previous PFX Tourney Co-Director. She currently participates in the 12U All-American Games as a coach. Sherell aspires to be the best wife and mother to her husband and two children.
KAREN CAGLE
Director
Karen Cagle, a graduate of Humboldt State and buyer for Big 5 Sporting Goods, plays a supporting role in the success of JustSOFTBALL. Her personal brand is to “Give everyone the chance to play!” Karen strives to set high standards for her professional and personal life which is to be fair and kind. 35 years in the sporting industry has led Karen to her commitment to the young women in softball and to create opportunities for them to have a chance to play through financial support. When she is not working in the sporting industry, Karen enjoys body boarding, biking, swimming and stained glass.
DANA LAURENT
Secretary
Dana Laurent, wife and mother of 3 is passionate about the physical, mental and emotional health of young women. Seeing the benefits to her own teenage daughter and other young women, the lessons of team-work, leadership, and resilience helped keep her child moving forward when the rest of the world were on pause during the pandemic. With a background in both non-profit, developing programs for at-risk high school youth and Corporate America in media, Dana commits to helping other young women reach their goals.
LOU MERCADO
Officer
Lou Mercado is a dynamic, strategic and driven C-Suite leader with over 35 years in senior leadership positions of increasing responsibility. His diverse leadership background has encompassed Omni Channel / eCommerce Planning and Operations, Retail Operations, business development, Inventory Management, domestic and international, global sourcing, merchandising, Supply Chain network design and industrial engineering. He has been a board member in a diverse number of non-profit organizations. In addition, has led and chaired multiple senior executive committees.