Region 2 |

Aaron Meyer of Mount Vernon, Ohio has been umpiring for 10 years. He got into umpiring because he was ejected from a slow pitch game and was told that if he thought he could do better then he should sign up to be an umpire. He accepted that challenge and is now umpiring both Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch. Meyer traveled a lot early in his umpiring career, but has developed more of an interest in staying local and helping in the local leagues over the past few years. He prides himself in knowing the rules and being a well-respected umpire in the local community.

Region 2 |

Jeremy Hildebrand of Utica, Ohio just completed his second year of umpiring.  This year he accepted the challenge to better himself and really stepped up. He spent most weekends on the road at high level Fast Pitch tournaments where he sought and soaked up the feedback that all umpires need to get better. Hildebrand was able to obtain an invitation to his first national championship, and continues to have that drive to continue to learn and grow as an umpire.

Region 2 |

Rick Annen is a 23-year veteran softball umpire with USA Softball of Ohio and Ohio High School Athletic Association. Annen has served in almost every capacity during his time, including serving as District Commissioner, Umpire-in-Chief, rules interpreter, treasurer and President of the local umpire association.  Between his playing days and the start of his umpiring career, Annen was a high school softball and football coach for eight years. He is a loyal and dedicated member of District 10 and USA Softball of Ohio and has played a significant role in the growth of District 10 to where it has hosted state, regional and national tournaments. He has served as the coordinator for three National Umpire Schools and is a Gold Medal Award and National Indicator Fraternity member. Annen is one of those people who has made USA Softball the great organization it is.

Region 2 |

Wally Stuchul of District 10, USA Softball of Ohio, was first introduced to umpiring in his teens by his father who had him work his first game, a three-umpire baseball game, along with his dad. He was drafted into the military in 1970 and served in the Panama Canal Zone where he was first introduced to ASA/USA Softball. After completing his tour of duty and graduating college, Stuchul moved to Arizona where he continued his umpiring and playing days before returning to Ohio to raise his family and continue his softball career. He has umpired for more than 31 years, and has worked numerous national championships, attended many National Umpire Schools as well as three Advanced Camps. He has used his training as a teacher in his association to include mechanics, knowledge of the rules, good communication and game management. Stuchul is a dedicated member of District 10 and USA Softball who loves our game.

Region 6 |

After playing ball for many years, Tess Layman registered with the USA Softball of Michigan association in 2010 and attend her first of many National Umpire Schools. In two short years, she was selected for her first National Championship and was awarded her Fast Pitch Elite Status in 2020. Additionally, Layman has been selected to be at the 2021 USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup. She says hard work and the love of the game has given her many brothers and sisters in Blue and a chance to umpire all over the United States with so many great memories that can’t be taken away. 

Region 6 |

Dominic or as most of us know him, Nick, of USA Softball of Michigan, is starting his 14th year of umpiring. Nick began his umpiring career in the game of Slow Pitch but soon starting calling Fast Pitch and was selected to umpire the 2020 18-Under GOLD National Championships before receiving his Elite status. While attending Liberty University, Nick had a professor say something that has stuck with him throughout the years – “A drop out was anyone who quit something before they reached their potential in the endeavor” – Nick loves umpiring so much and does not want to quit or drop out before reaching his true potential. We are so proud to have Nick as a part of USA Softball of Michigan.

Region 10 |

USA Softball of Southern California is so happy to see one of our very own youth umpires, Lauryn Carter, have some exciting success. Carter works games in the Santa Monica Girls Fastpitch league and is also a member of the UCLA softball team. In a recent game against San Diego State, Carter had her first-ever collegiate at bat where she sent the ball deep over the fence and against the scoreboard. Good luck this season Lauryn.

Region 10 |

USA Softball of Southern California is proud to introduce John Biggs. Biggs is such a great addition to the SoCal program. He works in our recreational leagues, travel softball and in one of our local high school associations as well. Biggs is a great umpire and is always working hard to make the right call.