Mike Forsythe joined Northern Colorado in August 2010 and serves as Northern Colorado’s pitching coach, continuing a role he filled in 2009 and 2008 at Fordham University in Bronx, N.Y. and before that for the Akron Racers of the Women's National Pro Fastpitch League.

Forsythe didn't waste much time making an impact on the Bears' pitching staff. In just two years, the Bears have seen their ERA drop a full run -- going from 6.13 in 2009 to 5.13 in 2011. One of the biggest improvements under Forsythe has been the staff's control. In his first year, the Bears set the school Division I record for fewest walks (134) and almost matched that mark in 2011 (147).

"Mike's knowledge of our sport is incredible," head coach Shana Easley says. "He works relentlessly developing our pitchers and creating strategies to beat our opposing hitters. I feel very lucky to have him on our staff and I know that he will make our staff and pitchers better."

Forsythe brings with him to Greeley more than 47 years of softball experience, including collegiate stints at Fordham, Quinnipiac, Southern Connecticut State and Southwest Michigan College.

Forsythe had an immediate impact on the Fordham pitching staff in 2009, as Ram pitchers cut over half a run off the team ERA from 2008, while posting their lowest team opponent batting average in five years.

His resume also includes coaching a USA Softball 2010 Top 10 Player of the Year finalist in Jen Mineau and being tabbed as a member of the 2010 NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year.

In addition to coaching, also owns Pro-Softball Instruction, where he's given lessons to a variety of age groups, while also being a featured pitching instructor at clinics and camps throughout the East Coast and Midwest.

Forsythe has two children: Derek and Alexandria.