ABOUT US
Even though Fastpitch Headquarters was only founded in 2007, we have been involved in fastpitch softball for decades. And our experience lies in exactly the areas that Fastpitch Headquarters emphasizes: players, teams, tournaments, and college recruiting!
One of the newest divisions of Fastpitch Headquarters is FPEvents, providing quality tournaments and events for youth fastpitch teams, players and college coaches.
In partnership with fastpitch organizations and associations, sports commissions, and local, national and international programs, FPHQ works to promote the sport and to host tournaments and other events across the country. We are very proud that we work with all of the major sanctioning organizations, such as ASA, PONY, USSSA, and others.
But FPEvents is only one aspect of FPHQ. We provide other services such as FPDatabase, FPAlerts, and many others! Go to FPHQ Homepage to check them out.
Now let us introduce the partner-owners of Fastpitch Headquarters, Patti Shotwell and Joe Cotrone, and our event partner, Linda Derk, of LDI Sports Consulting & Instruction.
Patti Shotwell
Patti Shotwell, a nationally renowned tournament director, has been involved in tournaments for almost 20 years. After leading one organization until 2007 and taking their showcase tournaments to national status, she left to start Fastpitch Headquarters. Then in 2008, with the encouragement of teams and especially college coaches, Patti started doing again what she does best...hosting fastpitch tournaments, especially showcases. With the highest of standards, FPHQ hosts showcase tournaments that will never be larger than one facility can hold, and the promise of continued innovation will ensure that the showcase tournaments will be ahead of their times. Additionally, in order to share her knowledge and experience, Patti independently contracts with other softball organizations as Tournament Director and assists them in the organizational and operational needs of their events.
Linda Derk
Linda Derk, a former coach of the college and professional game, is an international and national softball clinician and motivational speaker. Linda has worked as a sports broadcaster and was a long time head coach in the elite Florida Fury fastpitch program until it merged with Team FLA where Linda was head coach of the 18u Gold team and the chief clinician of the Team FLA program. She has extensive contacts with college coaches, fastpitch manufacturers, and vendors. She is the owner of LDI Sports Consulting & Instruction and was the Head Coach at Admiral Farragut Academy in St Petersburg FL in 2018 and 2019 when they won the Florida State Championship. In 2018 Linda became the Hitting Coach for the Great Britain National Team. While continuing her private lessons and clinics, Linda is now a General Manager at The Prep in Tampa FL.
Joe Cotrone
Joe Cotrone, a talented fastpitch coach with decades of travel ball and high school experience, was a long time member of a nationally renowned tournament organization and fastpitch program. In 2007, Joe partnered with Patti to form Fastpitch Headquarters, and in 2008, he was the driving force behind the new tournament division of FPHQ. Joe was the motivational leader in the organization, and his ethical standards are unparalleled. In 2013, Joe retired from coaching while still working on FPHQ events, as well as spending as much time as possible on his fishing boat!! In 2019, Joe retired completely and Linda became a full partner in Fastpitch Headquarters with Patti.
