PRESS RELEASE
Coach Shawn Byers Resigns After 27 Years Leading Stillman Valley Softball
Stillman Valley High School announces that longtime head softball coach Shawn Byers has resigned after 27 years of leading the Cardinals.
The Stillman Valley softball program began during the 1996–97 school year. After the program’s first two seasons, Coach Byers took over and transformed Cardinal softball into a perennial contender and one of Northern Illinois’ most respected programs.
During his remarkable tenure, Byers compiled a career record of 517–262 while leading the Cardinals to 11 Big Northern Conference Championships, 10 IHSA Regional Championships, and two IHSA Sectional Championships.
Coach Byers’ connection to the diamond spans 52 years, beginning with his own time as a player. Before taking over the Stillman Valley softball program, he also spent nine years as the head baseball coach at Malta High School. Baseball and softball have been lifelong passions, and his knowledge, commitment, and competitive spirit have influenced generations of student-athletes.
“Coach Byers leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by wins and championships alone,” said Stillman Valley High School Athletic/Activities Director Heather Alderks. “He built Stillman Valley softball into a program known and respected throughout Northern Illinois, but his greatest impact can be seen in the generations of student-athletes he coached, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the diamond. The standard he established will remain a part of Cardinal softball for years to come.”
Coach Byers’ impact extends far beyond the field. He established a tradition of excellence built on hard work, consistency, and Cardinal pride. The relationships he formed with players, families, assistant coaches, and community members will remain an important part of his lasting legacy.
Stillman Valley High School and Meridian CUSD #223 sincerely thank Coach Byers for his 27 years of dedication and service to Cardinal softball. We congratulate him on an extraordinary coaching career and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Additional information regarding the future leadership of the Stillman Valley softball program will be shared at a later date.