Coaches

Steve Birkby

Head Varisty Coach

A lifelong Idaho native, Coach Birkby enters sixth year with the Borah Softball program and fourth year as a Varsity Head Coach.  In 2024, he led Borah to its first state championship in program history and was honored as All-State Coach of the Year. He takes great pride in representing Borah High School and building a program grounded in tradition, integrity, and excellence.

A former collegiate baseball player, Steve competed for three seasons at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. before transferring to Idaho State University. While at Gallaudet, he served for two years as the baseball representative for the Athletic Department.  

Coach Birkby began his coaching career in 2005 at Great Falls High School in Montana, coaching volleyball and softball. With more than 13 years of experience spanning youth, travel ball, and high school programs including USA Explosion and Idaho Intensity 12U.  He brings a well rounded background to Borah.  He has also been selected to coach alongside Laura Skyquest with the USA Deaf National Softball Team, set to compete in 2028.   

Coach Birkby believes softball is more than just a game—it is a platform to build character, leadership skills, and lifelong relationships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, accountability, and creating a competitive, positive environment where student-athletes can thrive while fostering a culture of respect and unity within the Lions softball family.

Chad Bleazard

Varsity Assistant Coach

Chad Bleazard has been coaching since 2012, bringing experience across football, basketball, baseball, and softball. For the past four years, he has served as the assistant coach to Coach Steve Birkby, helping lead Borah High School to the 2024 state championship.

A teacher at Borah High School since 2014, Chad loves the game of softball—and sports in general—not just for the competition, but for the life lessons they teach. Through sports, he helps players develop teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and resilience, lessons that carry far beyond the field.

Kelly Gibbons

Varsity Assistant Coach & Program Pitching Coach

Coach Kelly Gibbons has spent her life turning passion into purpose. Growing up in Idaho Falls and inspired by her dad’s fastpitch career, she began playing at 13 and quickly rose to earn two State MVP awards. But Kelly’s true legacy is the one she’s built through leadership and mentorship.

From collegiate coaching at Washburn University—where she reached her 200th softball win and led teams to two NAIA national tournaments—to helping multiple high schools achieve historic state appearances and championships, Kelly’s influence goes far beyond wins. She started the women’s fastpitch program at the College of Idaho and has been part of championship teams at Bishop Kelly, Eagle, and Owyhee High Schools.

Kelly is also known as “Coach” in another arena—as the director of a respite program in Boise, where she leads over 40 volunteers serving caregivers of loved ones with dementia and creates a warm, safe, fun, and empowering environment that takes her coaching impact to an even deeper and more meaningful level.

Her coaching philosophy centers on empowerment: guiding athletes to discover their strengths, believe in their abilities, and pursue their goals with courage. As the author of You Have What It Takes, Kelly brings that same message to life off the field as well.

Kelly was also inducted into the University of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class of 100 all‑time athletes, honoring her four-year career and contributions as a standout volleyball student‑athlete.

Now living in Caldwell, Idaho with her two huskies, Coach Kelly continues to champion others with equal parts passion, positivity, and purpose.

Dexter Sackett

Junior Varsity Head Coach

Hey my name is Dexter Sackett and I am a junior at Boise State University where I am working towards a bachelor’s degree in international business. I started playing baseball when I was 5 and I played until 2023 which is the year I graduated from Timberline, I have 3 years of coaching experience, and I love coaching almost as much as I loved playing.