Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WHEELERSBURG — In the early 1990’s, Steve Hempill made a phone call that would change Southern Ohio’s softball landscape forever.
He just didn’t know it yet.
On the other end of the line was Teresa Ruby, who was about to say “yes” to a question that would eventually make her one of the state’s most noteworthy softball coaches in the sport’s history.
She, also, just didn’t know it yet.
“I received a call from Steve, who was the coach at Clay High School at the time,” Ruby said. “Steve was considering retiring from coaching and asked if I wanted to join his staff as an assistant. He hoped after he left, I would consider taking over. I loved it.”
CREDIT: Renee Nemeth/SOSA
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Ruby’s resume speaks for itself. Since that fateful phone call, all she’s done is win — no matter where she’s been. It’s exactly why she’s been selected for induction into the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame, which will take place in January.
“It has been a lot to take into consideration. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, passion and dedication,” Ruby said. “While the honor is presented as a personal achievement, it’s truly a tribute to the countless people who have shared my journey. From the coaches and teammates of my playing days, family and friends, assistant coaches, and players … no one travels this path alone. I’ve truly been blessed with so much support. I’m truly humbled by the honor.”
Hempill eventually stepped down from his position, paving the way for Ruby to take over her alma mater’s program in 1994. She then proceeded to coach 15 seasons at Clay, racking up a 228-80 record in the process.
Those 228 wins included six district championships and a regional crown in 2007 … still the last time the Panthers were a state semifinalist.
“I think I was born with a softball in my hand,” Ruby said. “I had the good fortune to play for two of the best to ever coach the game in Clay and Carol Vice. They started one of the first little league softball teams in our area. That later developed into one of the first fast-pitch softball teams in our area at Clay. During their years coaching, their softball record was an amazing 262-20 while winning three state championships in 11 years. Clay and Carol became family to all of us who had the opportunity to play for them. They provided me with a foundation for success in coaching.”
It would be tough to beat Ruby’s 15-year resume at Clay for any ordinary coach. But Ruby is no ordinary coach.
After her departure from the program, Ruby spent time as an assistant coach at Shawnee State University before accepting the head coaching position at Portsmouth for a short time.
Then, in 2014, she took on the challenge of leading Wheelersburg’s program. Her goal was to bring a newfound passion, energy and sense of commitment to the dugout. She did just that and the victories followed.
Heading into the 2024 season, Ruby is 225-13 at ‘Burg with six regional titles and three state championships — 2016, 2022 and 2023.
The total of it all? 27 years, 488 wins, 23 sectional, 15 district, seven regional and three state crowns.
And those numbers don’t put into account the type of player Ruby was. That’s a different story for a different time.
Put simply, there’s never been anyone in Southern Ohio to do it better.
But she’d never admit that. Teresa Ruby has never been about Teresa Ruby — which is, quite possibly, the reason she’s been so successful.
“I’ve had some of the absolute best in the game assist me, and some of the best players to play for me,” Ruby said. “I feel like I’ve coached more than wins and losses. I’ve always wanted kids to be able to participate, regardless of their talent level … to feel they made contributions and were valued. I want our kids to feel loved. I’ve been very intrigued this year by Ohio State’s message of the power of love. It’s powerful. I have and always will push our kids to grow. Growth looks different for each young lady. Sometimes, that growth comes from tough love. But growth is more than learning about the skills of softball. I want each of our players to feel challenged, supported and empowered to become a better version of themselves.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
I can’t say being a Hall of Famer was a remote thought when I first started. I wasn’t even sure I was going to coach for that long. I think if someone would have said that to me back in the day, I would have laughed and said, ‘Let’s just worry about today’s game.’”
So, what’s next? History is said to repeat itself, so expect more success.
Ruby’s Pirates will take the field this spring as back-to-back Division III state champions. With a loaded roster and the newest OHSFSCA Hall of Famer returning the fold, many believe a third straight state title is attainable.
But if that were to happen, it’d be in June. Ruby is worried about tomorrow and tomorrow only.
“Our expectations never change. We’ll work hard each day and challenge each other on a daily basis. Iron sharpens iron,” Ruby said. “Each day, ask how I can be better today than yesterday. It is a step-by-step journey. It’s focusing on each game and your opponent, win the league, win the sectional, win the district, win the regional, and win state. In the process, compete hard against each other but also be good to each other. We have a highly competitive schedule this year. We will have our work cut out for us.”
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