Diamond Divas bring travel softball tourney to Warren
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A local travel sports organization is continuing to grow its presence in the Warren community while giving young athletes more opportunities to compete, develop their skills and enjoy the game.
The Allegheny Diamond Divas, founded by Adam Cassell in June 2025, began as a travel softball organization designed to give girls opportunities to play beyond the traditional community league season. The organization initially supported 10U, 12U and 14U softball teams.
In 2026, the organization expanded to include baseball, adding the 10U Allegheny River Rats. The program currently includes 12U and 14U softball teams and a 10U baseball team, with the long-term goal of supporting boys and girls from ages 8 to 18.
"The reason behind forming the organization was to give girls the opportunity to play more softball," said Kyle Johnson, co-founder and 14U head coach. "The typical community league season starts in late April and ends in early June. With the Diamond Divas organization, the girls can now play through the entire summer and into fall."
The organization hosted its first hometown tournament Sept. 26-27 at the Farm Colony Complex in North Warren. The Autumn Diamond Bash featured five teams in the 12U division and two teams in the 14U division.
The 14U Diamond Divas took first place in their division, while Oil Valley Lightning won the 12U division.
Cody Sherbine, who serves as president of the organization’s board, said the 10U River Rats players and their families helped with concessions, field maintenance between games and directing visiting teams toward local businesses and other community resources.
Sherbine became involved with the organization during the summer after being introduced to the program by Cassell and Johnson. He initially helped coach the 10U boys team before taking on the board presidency later in the summer.
"I thought it was an amazing opportunity for youth sports in our community," Sherbine said. "Seeing the passion, dedication, and hard work ethic in these players to represent their community as they would travel out to tournaments reminded me of my loyalty to the teams I was a part of when I was young."
Sherbine said the organization’s goal extends beyond competition.
"Developing fundamentals within a sport outside of the yearly scheduled sports associated with schools in our area is key for success," he said. "It is all about giving the opportunity to further a player’s tool belt to perform to the highest standard they can achieve on and off the field."
Johnson said hosting the tournament in Warren was a particularly meaningful step for the organization.
"It was a very fun and successful weekend," he said.
The organization plans to continue developing its programs and hopes to host additional baseball and softball tournaments during the 2027 season. Indoor training is also planned during the winter months as players prepare for the next season.
Cassell said the organization’s mission is about more than wins and losses.
"I started the Diamond Divas traveling softball league because I wanted a place where girls could play hard, get better, and have fun doing it," Cassell said. "It's not just about winning games -- it's about learning how to work as a team, build confidence and enjoy the sport."
As the organization looks toward its next season, those involved say continued growth will depend on the commitment of its board members, coaches, players and families.
The organization has also discussed the possibility of developing a training facility if the program continues to gain interest and participation.