ISC Welcomes New Personnel

Blair Setford • February 9, 2025

Three New Commissioners, Three Player Reps & One Specialist

 The ISC is pleased to welcome three new commissioners, three player reps and a new specialist to the organization as we continue to evolve to make the ISC World Tournament better than ever.


Chris Hopewell, Elmsdale, NS, joins us as Regional Commissioner for Atlantic Canada. Chris is currently president of Softball Nova Scotia and is active in the men’s game with the Shooters Bar & Grill Men’s League, the top league in the province, and also coaches the Nova Scotia Mastodons, the 2017 Canadian Champions. In his spare time, he co-hosts the popular Outside the Chute podcast.


Ferdi Nelissen, Portage La Prairie, MB, re-joins the ISC as a Canada West Regional Commissioner after serving a 17-year stint as a commissioner and VP through 1990s and 2000s. Ferdi, who was elected to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2018, is an active volunteer in Manitoba Hockey and in other organizations in his home province.


Scott Perry, Oshawa, ON, is joining the ISC as a Regional Commissioner in Canada East. Scott has previously been the coach of the Toronto Batmen and currently suits up for the Cobourg Force Legends team. Well known in one of the game’s hotbeds in Ontario, Scott will work with closely with Canada East personnel to continue the pipeline of teams in ISC.


Brian Eradus, Vancouver, BC, comes aboard as Communications Specialist and will apply his top-notch talents to expanding the ISC’s presence even further on social media, conducting additional out-reach to players and teams. If you saw any of the social media presence from Softball City for the 2024 ISC World Tournament, then you’ve seen Brian’s excellent work!


Shane Boland, St. John’s, NL, is the newest player representative from Atlantic Canada. Shane, currently a member of the defending ISC World Champions Hill United Chiefs, has been playing in the ISC since 2012.


Jeff Lyons, Glencoe, ON, joins as a player representative for Canada East. Jeff, who played with Bear Creek Express in 2024, has participated in the ISC for the last decade with multiple Ontario teams.


Chris Norris, St. George, UT, is joining the ISC as a player rep in US West. Chris has played for the Pueblo Bandits for many years and is the Director of Player Development for the softball team at Utah Tech.


Welcome aboard to all of our new personnel – we look forward to your contributions!


You can find all of the ISC commissioners, specialists and player reps on the ISC website Contact page at: www.iscfastpitch.com




By Blair Setford June 9, 2025
The 2025 ISC Guide is here! Featuring reigning ISC MVP Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs, on the cover, the Guide has 150 pages of photos, stories and stats covering last year's ISC World Tournament. Fans will remember Alan's Championship Saturday performance as one of the best in ISC history as he went 6-9 with four 2-run home runs and nine RBIs to lead the Chiefs to their sixth ISC World Tournament title. There's plenty of coverage of the first international team - Sydney Tropics - to win an ISC Championship in ISC II, along with Cobourg Force's come-from-behind walk-off win in ISC Legends. You can order your copy today on the ISC Webstore for $18.50 including shipping.
By Brian Eradus June 6, 2025
At just 21 years old , Ryan Earley is already turning heads as a rising outfield talent with the STK squad heading into the 2025 season. Wearing jersey #24 , Ryan’s blend of speed, athleticism, and genuine passion for the game is hard to miss. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand , he’s been around a ball diamond his whole life—and now, he’s gearing up for what he calls the “coolest event of his life”: his first ISC World Tournament . A Diamond From Day One Ryan’s connection to fastpitch softball started almost from birth. “I’ve been around the diamond since I can remember,” he says. “My dad and brother were both involved, so it was always part of my world. I fell in love with the game, the community, and especially the mates I’ve made along the way.” Growing up, his brother Max and his best mate Oscar were constant motivators. “They’ve always pushed me,” he says. “And of course, playing with guys like Cole Evans and Nathan Nukunuku —who also coached me—was huge for my development.” Goals for 2025 and Beyond Ryan’s goals for the upcoming season are as team-focused as they are personal. “I just want to be as impactful as I can to help the team win ,” he says. “If I can lock down a starting spot and become a go-to guy , that’s a huge win for me.” He’s focused on his mental approach at the plate , simplifying at-bats, staying in the moment, and learning from every pitch. “Confidence is everything. I’ve been guilty of putting too much pressure on myself before, so now I’m working on trusting my game.”