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SPA's Sparkplug Layla Bryan Dies at 71
Dec. 1, 2013
Softball News ReportLayla Bryan, well known throughout the senior softball world, passed away October 24 after having suffered a heart attack and stroke the previous week.
As the Assistant Executive Director of SPA, Bryan helped shape both the women’s and men’s programs with SPA Executive Director Ridge Hooks for several years.
“Layla was a very young 71,” said Ridge Hooks, “she is known and loved by players throughout the country. We will miss her greatly.”
Bryan, of Goldthwaite, Texas, had been a player, coach and administrator over the course of her two decades in the sport and was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Bryan was known as a fierce competitor on the Lady Texans, for her sense of humor, and for the depth of her experience in the sport.
“Layla was a vibrant force in our sport, a good friend to many and will be sorely missed,” said Terry Hennessy, Senior Softball-USA CEO. She is survived by her husband, Jon; her daughter Laura Mitchell; step-son Randy Bryan; a step-daughter Suzanne Culbertson; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.